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

Fireflies thrive in temperate conditions, with wet and warm summers creating the ideal breeding environment and cold winters supporting the survival of immature stages like eggs, larvae and pupae.

From Science Daily

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

From New York Times

The virus is most harmful when it infects bee pupae, which then grow up to have several deformations including twisted wings and often die shortly after reaching adulthood.

From Science Daily

An insectarium with a monumental resin model of a beehive also has a display of live leafcutter ants at work; inside a nearby butterfly vivarium, you can watch pupae in various stages of metamorphosis.

From Los Angeles Times