What materials are noted to be interwoven in the silk cocoon constructed by the caterpillar before pupation?
Answer
The caterpillar’s own body hairs
As the larval stage concludes its feeding period and prepares for metamorphosis, it constructs a protective cocoon for pupation. This protective structure is specifically described as being made from silk that has been interwoven with the caterpillar's own body hairs. These hairs are a key component of the structure, and it is also noted that these same hairs, much like fiberglass insulation, possess the potential to cause mechanical irritation upon contact with sensitive skin, highlighting the defensive nature of the larval covering even when incorporated into the pupal stage structure.
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