1. An insect in the stage of development immediately before it becomes a pupa, characterized by reduced feeding and movement as it prepares for metamorphosis.
Usage: biology; entomology

Examples

• The caterpillar enters the prepupa stage when it stops eating and begins to spin its cocoon.
• During the prepupa phase, the insect's body undergoes significant internal changes.
• Scientists observed the prepupa of the butterfly species for several days before pupation occurred.
• The prepupa stage is crucial for the insect's transformation into its adult form.
• Entomologists study the prepupa to understand the metamorphosis process in insects.