pupal

Everyday

(science) To do with a pupa, the resting stage in an insect's life between larva and adult, when it changes shape inside a case or cocoon: «the pupal stage». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on life cycles it names the third stage of complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. A butterfly's pupa is called a chrysalis. Phrases: «pupal stage», «pupal case», «pupal skin».

Examples

• The caterpillar entered its pupal stage and hung still for two weeks. tree →
• A butterfly's pupal case is called a chrysalis. tree →
• The beetle came out of its pupal skin. tree →
• During the pupal stage the insect's body completely changes. tree →
• We kept the pupal cases in a jar to watch them hatch. tree →
• Mosquitoes have a pupal stage in water. tree →

Note

Noun: pupa (plural pupae or pupas). Pronounced PEW-pul. Not to do with «pupil» (a school child or the black part of the eye), though both come from Latin words for small children and dolls. Life cycle order: egg → larva → pupa → adult.