Abstract
The cocoon of Antheraea pernyi is constructed in four successive phases, as resolved through movement recordings and time-lapse cinematography and cinefluorography: (1) scaffolding and peduncle (9·2 hr), (2) outer cocoon (13·9 hr), (3) cocoon impregnation (0·7 hr), and (4) inner cocoon (26·9 hr). The caterpillar reverses spinning direction at frequencies characteristic for each phase. The number of cycles (360-degree turns) within a phase is relatively constant from individual to individual, although the length of phase two varies seasonally. During cocoon impregnation the larva executes turns in rapid succession, ensuring the even distribution of a hindgut exudate which coats the cocoon with crystals and speeds tanning of the silk. In the second and fourth phases intracycle behaviour consists of extension-recovery loops of the anterior segments, each followed by a repositioning of the abdomen.
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