Meaning & Definition of word "Pupa"

noun:

• 1. A developmental stage of some insects, typically occurring between the larva and the adult, during which the organism undergoes transformation.
  • Example: The caterpillar transformed into a pupa, hanging motionless from a branch.
• 2. In some species, the pupa is encased in a protective shell, which is often referred to as a chrysalis or cocoon.
  • Example: The silkworm spins a cocoon around its pupa to protect it during metamorphosis.
• 3. The term can also refer to any similar stage of development in other organisms, like certain amphibians.
  • Example: During its pupa stage, the tadpole begins the slow process of developing legs.
• 4. Pupa can also describe the inactive form of an organism during its transition stage in species that undergo complete metamorphosis.
  • Example: Entomologists study the pupa phase to understand the life cycle of various insects.