pupa

American  

[pyoo-puh] / ˈpju pə /

noun

pupae, plural pupas plural

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

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pupa British  

/ 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

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pupa Scientific  

/ pyo̅o̅′pə /

pupae plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pupal
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• pupae
  plural
• pupas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pupa

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

Explanation

A pupa is an immature insect, in the stage of development just before adulthood. A butterfly or moth pupa is known as a "chrysalis." Some kinds of insects go through dramatic, distinct stages as they grow, otherwise known as metamorphosis. For these insects, the egg and larval stages are followed by a period of time as a pupa that can last weeks, or even years, depending on the insect species and what the temperature is. At the end of their time as a pupa, insects break open their shell or case and emerge, fully grown.

Example Sentences

However, Pupa Gilbert, a biophysicist and geobiologist who studies biomineralization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says the preprint is “interesting” but she’s “lukewarm” about its significance to understanding biomineralization.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 24, 2023

Pupa digging may be carried on throughout the month if the weather is sufficiently mild, but it is of no use attempting this during a frost.

From Butterflies and Moths (British) by Furneaux, William S.

Eight species of land shells were picked up here, either creeping up the grass or under stones and logs; they were of the genera Caracolla, Helix, and Pupa.

From Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 1 by MacGillivray, John

Pupa is a Latin word, signifying a creature swathed, or tied up; and is applied to this stage of all insects, because all, or some, of their parts are then bound up, as if swathed.

From British Butterfiles Figures and Descriptions of Every Native Species by Coleman, W. S. (William Stephen)

Work of Ambrosia Beetle, Xyloborus celsus, in Hickory Wood: a, Larva; b, Pupa; c, Adult beetle; d, Character of work in lumber cut from injured log; e, Bark; f, Sap wood; g, Heartwood.

From Wood and Forest by Noyes, William