pupa

Everyday

The stage in the life of some insects between the larva (like a caterpillar) and the adult (like a butterfly), when the insect rests and changes inside a case. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about life cycles, pupils learn that a butterfly goes egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, adult. A butterfly pupa is called a chrysalis; a moth pupa is usually inside a cocoon. During this stage the body is completely rebuilt; this change is called metamorphosis. Phrases: the pupa stage, inside the pupa.

Examples

• The caterpillar turned into a pupa. tree →
• A butterfly pupa is called a chrysalis. tree →
• Inside the pupa, the insect changes its whole body. tree →
• After two weeks a butterfly came out of the pupa. tree →
• We drew the four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. tree →
• Bees and beetles also have a pupa stage. tree →
• Do not touch the pupa, or you might hurt it. tree →

Note

Plural: "pupae" (said "PEW-pee") or "pupas". It is said "PEW-pa". Do not confuse with "pupil" (a child at school). Myth: the pupa is not sleeping or dead; huge changes happen inside it. Not all insects have a pupa stage; grasshoppers grow straight from young to adult.