If they’re in really harsh places like deserts, some will stay in there for up to three years waiting for rain or good conditions. The environment needs to be ideal for them to come out, feed on plants and lay eggs.
— how long does caterpillar stay in cocoon
Overly dark cocoons, though, may point to death.
— can a caterpillar die in the cocoon?
may be fine one day and the next start to become lethargic, start to deflate, refuse to eat and start to turn a darker color.
— how to tell if your monarch has black death
