1. Plural of prepupa; the stage in insect development immediately before the pupal stage, characterized by reduced feeding and movement as the insect prepares to pupate.
Usage: technical; entomology; plural form

Examples

• The prepupas of the butterfly species showed distinctive color changes before entering the pupal stage.
• Researchers observed the prepupas spinning silk cocoons in preparation for metamorphosis.
• The prepupas remained relatively immobile for several days before pupation began.
• Entomologists collected prepupas to study the transition between larval and pupal development.