noun
- plural of pupa; the life stage of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis between larva and adult, typically enclosed in a cocoon or chrysalis
Usage: biology
Examples
- The butterfly pupae hung motionless from the branch.
- Scientists collected moth pupae to study their development.
- Inside the pupae, the caterpillars were transforming into butterflies.
- The garden contained dozens of pupae in various stages of metamorphosis.
- Beetle pupae can be found buried in the soil during winter.
- The researcher carefully examined the pupae under a microscope.