What is the term for the pupa of a moth or butterfly inside a cocoon?

The term for the pupa of a moth or butterfly inside a cocoon is "chrysalis." When a butterfly or moth undergoes its life cycle, it transitions through various stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The pupa stage is when the insect is developing inside a protective casing. In the case of butterflies, this stage is referred to as a chrysalis, while moths may create a cocoon to encase themselves as they transform.

This term specifically identifies the hardened pupal stage of butterflies, characterized by a smooth, often colorful outer layer, as opposed to the term cocoon, which typically refers to the silk structure spun by moths. Metamorphosis describes the overall transformation process, rather than the specific stage itself. Therefore, "chrysalis" is the most accurate term for the pupal stage of butterflies, clearly distinguishing it from other stages of development in the lifecycle.