pu·pa   (pyōō'pə)    n.   pl. pu·pae (-pē) or pu·pas The nonfeeding stage between the larva and adult in the metamorphosis of holometabolous insects, during which the larva typically undergoes complete transformation within a protective cocoon or hardened case. [Latin pūpa, girl, doll.] pu'pal adj.

Main Entry: pu·pa
Pronunciation: 'pyü-p&
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural pu·pae /-(")pE, -"pI/
or pupas : an intermediate usually quiescent stage of an insect that occurs between the larva and the imago in forms (as a bee, moth, or beetle) which undergo complete metamorphosis andthat is characterized by internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago —pu·pal /'pyü-p&l/ adjective

pupa   (py'pə)  Pronunciation Key  (click for larger image in new window) Plural pupae (py'pē) 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. Compare imago, larva, nymph.