pupa

[pyoo-puh]

noun, plural pu·pae [pyoo-pee] /ˈpyu pi/, pu·pas.

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

Origin of pupa

1765–70; < New Latin, special use of Latin pūpa girl, doll, puppet. See pupil¹, puppet

Related formspu·pal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pupa

Historical Examples of pupa

Gasterotheca: that part of the pupa case that covers the abdomen.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Podotheca: that part of pupa that covers the legs of future adult.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Pre-pupal: that stage in the larva just preceding the change to pupa.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Pupate, Pupation: to become a pupa: the act of becoming a pupa.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Pselaphotheca: that part of the pupa which covers the palpi.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for pupa

pupa

noun plural -pae (-piː) or -pas

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

Derived Formspupal, adjective

Word Origin for pupa

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

"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.

pupa in Science

pupa

[pyōō′pə]

Plural pupae (pyōō′pē)

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.