C1nounsciencenature
US/ˈpjuː.pə/
UK/ˈpjuː.pə/
the stage in an insect's life when it is in a hard case, changing from a larva to an adult
In context
Inside the pupa, the caterpillar slowly turns into a butterfly.
The pupa hangs from a branch and does not eat or move.
Scientists studied how long each pupa took to develop at different temperatures.
Words that go with pupa
noun + noun
- butterfly pupaA butterfly pupa is often called a chrysalis.
- pupa stageThe pupa stage can last several weeks.
- pupa caseThe empty pupa case was still stuck to the wall.
noun + preposition
- inside the pupaInside the pupa, the body of the insect changes completely.
verb + preposition
- emerge from the pupaAn adult moth emerged from the pupa this morning.
- turn into a pupaAfter feeding, the larva turns into a pupa.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
two pupasCorrect: two pupae