I have often used the words chrysalis and cocoon interchangeably when discussing the stage in metamorphosis when a butterfly goes from a caterpillar to a butterfly. I've come to find out that a cocoon is generally used in reference to moths--they wrap themselves in a silk layer to create the cocoon. Butterflies on the other hand, make chrysalises. This is composed of a hard, chitinous shell. My butterfly is most definitely in a chrysalis as it appears hard, smooth, and shiny. It has been in there for about two days now, and the shell is becoming more opaque as the caterpillar is undergoing its transformations. It is about an inch long, and a quarter inch wide.
For more specific information: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_cocoon_and_a_chrysalis&altQ=What_is_the_difference_between_a_cryisilis_and_a_cocoon
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