Caterpillars typically stay in their cocoons or chrysalises for about 10 to 21 days during the pupal stage of their metamorphosis. This period can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions such as temperature and climate

• On average, the chrysalis or cocoon stage lasts about 10 to 14 days for many species

• Most butterflies and moths remain inside their chrysalis or cocoon between 5 to 21 days, but in harsh environments like deserts, some can stay dormant for up to three years waiting for favorable conditions

• In temperate climates, the pupal stage usually lasts from about a week to a month, with some species able to remain in this stage for several months or even over a year if necessary (e.g., during cold or dry seasons)

• The entire butterfly life cycle, from egg to adult, typically spans 3 to 5 weeks, with the pupal stage being a significant portion of that time

Thus, while the common duration inside a cocoon is roughly 1 to 3 weeks, this can extend considerably based on species and environmental factors.