pupa

[pyoo-puh]

noun

plural

pupae, pupas 

1. an insect in the nonfeeding, usually immobile, transformation stage between the larva and the imago.

pupa

/ ˈpjuːpə /

noun

1. an insect at the immobile nonfeeding stage of development between larva and adult, when many internal changes occur See coarctate exarate obtect

pupa

plural

pupae 

1. An insect in the nonfeeding stage of development between the larva and adult, during which it typically undergoes a complete transformation within a protective cocoon or hardened case. Only certain kinds of insects, such as moths, butterflies, ants, and beetles, develop as larvae and pupae.

2. Compare imago larva nymph

Other Word Forms

• pupal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pupa¹

1765–70; < New Latin, special use of Latin pūpa girl, doll, puppet. See pupil ¹, puppet

Word History and Origins

Origin of pupa¹

C19: via New Latin, from Latin: a doll, puppet

Example Sentences

And he has seen them descend on Mono Lake when the water is teeming with brine shrimp and the larvae and pupae of alkali flies.

From Los Angeles Times

She remembers the lake being much higher in her youth when she went to the shore with her family, carrying baskets to collect kootzabe, or alkali fly pupae, a traditional food source.

From Los Angeles Times

The black dots are larval tracks pushing into an oak, while the white object is a pupa preparing to become an adult.

From Los Angeles Times

Fireflies thrive in temperate conditions, with wet and warm summers creating the ideal breeding environment and cold winters supporting the survival of immature stages like eggs, larvae and pupae.

From Science Daily

“You can actually test the larvae and pupa casings for drugs,” he said, excitedly.

From New York Times