pupa
/'pju:pə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An insect in the inactive stage of development: A "pupa" is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between the immature larval form and the mature adult form. During this stage, the insect is typically non-feeding and often enclosed in a protective case (e.g., a chrysalis or cocoon) while metamorphosis occurs.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The caterpillar forms a chrysalis and enters the pupa stage.
- Inside the pupa, the insect's body is completely reorganized.
- We observed several pupae attached to the underside of the leaf.
Advanced Usage
"In the pupa": Describes the state of being within the pupal stage or casing.
- The transformation from larva to butterfly occurs while the insect is in the pupa.
"Pupal stage": Refers to the period or phase of being a pupa.
- The pupal stage can last from a few days to several months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Variants and Related Words
Pupae (n, plural): The plural form of "pupa."
- The scientist collected dozens of pupae for her study.
Pupal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a pupa.
- The pupal case is often very hard and protective.
Pupate (v): To become a pupa; to undergo the pupal stage.
- After feeding extensively, the larva will pupate in the soil.
Synonyms
- Chrysalis: Specifically refers to the pupal stage of a butterfly or moth, often encased in a hard shell.
- Cocoon: A silky case spun by the larvae of many moths for protection as pupae. (Note: "Cocoon" refers to the protective covering, while "pupa" is the insect inside it.)
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)
- Metamorphosis: The biological process of transformation that a pupa undergoes.
- Larva: The immature, feeding stage that precedes the pupa.
- Adult/Imago: The final, mature stage that follows the pupa.
Noun
- an insect in the inactive stage of development (when it is not feeding) intermediate between larva and adult