pupa
[pyoo-puh]
- an insect in the nonfeeding, usually immobile, transformation stage between the larva and the imago.
Show More
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
Pupate, Pupation: to become a pupa: the act of becoming a 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
pupa
Show More
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.
Show More
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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.