pupa

[ pyoo-puh ]

noun

, plural pu·pae [pyoo, -pee], pu·pas.

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

/ pyo̅o̅′pə /

, Plural pupae pyo̅o̅′pē

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

Derived Forms

• ˈpupal, adjective

Other Words From

• pupal 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

Example Sentences

The black dots are larval tracks pushing into an oak, while the white object is a pupa preparing to become an adult.

From Los Angeles Times

“You can actually test the larvae and pupa casings for drugs,” he said, excitedly.

From New York Times

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

One of the genes they've edited is a key regulator of molting from larva to pupa, which, when tweaked, yields larvae 50 percent larger than an unedited one.

From Scientific American

When a caterpillar finally encases itself into a pupa, it doesn’t just grow wings and emerge as a butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times