Small dog, the odd ape and insects in cocoons (5)
I believe the answer is:
pupae
'insects in cocoons' is the definition.
'pupae' can be an answer for 'insects' (pupa is a kind of insect). I am unsure of the 'in cocoons' bit.
'small dog the odd ape' is the wordplay.
'small dog' becomes 'pup' (short for puppy).
'the odd' means one should take alternating letters.
The alternating letters of 'ape' are 'ae'.
'pup'+'ae'='PUPAE'
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pupae that I've seen before include "Butterflies developing" , "Insects in the inactive stage of development" , "Insects in the stage between larva and adult" , "Insects between larval and adult stages" , "Chrysalises" .)