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