1. Plural of prepupa; the stage of an insect's development immediately before it becomes a pupa, characterized by reduced feeding and movement as the insect prepares for metamorphosis.
Usage: biology; entomology; technical

Examples

• The prepupae of the butterfly species showed distinctive color changes before entering the pupal stage.
• Researchers observed the prepupae clustering together in the leaf litter.
• During the prepupae phase, the insects stop feeding and seek shelter.
• The prepupae of moths are often difficult to distinguish from mature larvae.
• Scientists collected prepupae samples to study the metamorphic process.