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Megalopyge opercularis
Exuvia (exoskeleton) left behind when the moth emerged from its "cocoon". The larva does not spin a real cocoon, rather, it separates from its furry skin and uses it as a protective covering while it pupates.
Mason Farm Biological Reserve
Spotted on Aug 6, 2014
Submitted on Aug 9, 2014
2 Comments
Sskel - this was a surprise to me, too. I thought this was a potter wasp exoskeleton. If you click on the second reference link I gave, there is quite a lengthy description of how these moths reproduce.
very interesting. I also found this. I did not know that Lepidoptera have an exoskeleton. I was wondering how the moth cut the cocoon. you have any idea?