pupa
[pyoo-puh]
- an insect in the nonfeeding, usually immobile, transformation stage between the larva and the imago.
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Origin of pupa
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pupa
Historical Examples
Gasterotheca: that part of the pupa case that covers the abdomen.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Podotheca: that part of pupa that covers the legs of future adult.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Pre-pupal: that stage in the larva just preceding the change to pupa.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Pselaphotheca: that part of the pupa which covers the palpi.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Pupate, Pupation: to become a pupa: the act of becoming a pupa.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
pupa
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Word Origin
C19: via New Latin, from Latin: a doll, puppet
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for pupa
n.
"post-larval stage of an insect," 1773, special use by Linnæus (1758) of Latin pupa "girl, doll, puppet" (see pupil (n.1)) on notion of "undeveloped creature." Related: Pupal; pupiform.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
pupa
[pyōō′pə]
- 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. Compare imago larva nymph.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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