pupa
Definition
A pupa is the third stage in the life cycle of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis. It is the stage between the larva and the adult insect.
The pupa is a non-feeding stage, during which the insect undergoes major changes in its body structure. The larval tissues break down and are replaced by adult tissues. The wings, eyes, and other adult features develop during this stage.
The pupa is typically enclosed in a hard shell called a puparium. The puparium protects the insect from predators and helps to keep the pupa in a stable environment while it undergoes metamorphosis.
The length of the pupal stage varies depending on the species of insect. It can last for a few days to several months. Once the metamorphosis is complete, the adult insect emerges from the puparium.
The pupa is an important stage in the life cycle of an insect. It is during this stage that the insect transforms from a larva into an adult. The pupa is also a vulnerable stage, as the insect is unable to move or defend itself.
How can the word be used?
The butterfly emerges from the pupa.
Different forms of the word
Noun: the inactive stage in the life cycle of an insect, between the larva and the adult, during which the insect undergoes metamorphosis.
Etymology
The word "pupa" comes from the Latin word "pupa", which means "doll" or "puppet".
The first recorded use of the word "pupa" in English was in the 17th century.
Question
What happens during the pupa stage of the life cycle?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the role of pupa in the life cycle of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis, and describe the transformations that occur during this stage.
Answer:
In the life cycle of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, the pupa is a critical stage that marks the transition between the larval and adult forms. It is during this stage that remarkable transformations take place, leading to the development of the mature insect.
The pupa is a quiescent phase where the insect undergoes profound changes in its body structure and form. Inside the pupal case, the insect's body reorganises, and tissues and organs are rearranged to prepare for adulthood. This process is facilitated by the release of specific hormones that trigger metamorphosis. During this transformation, the insect sheds its outer larval skin and enters a transitional state where it is enclosed in a protective covering called the pupal case.
Inside the pupal case, the insect gradually develops the structures and features that are characteristic of the adult form. Wings, legs, antennae, and other adult-specific features form and differentiate within the pupal body. As the changes progress, the pupa might appear relatively motionless, as the insect focuses its energy on internal development rather than active movement.
The pupal stage varies in duration across different insect species, and the appearance of the pupal case may vary as well. Once the transformation is complete, the pupal case splits open, and the adult insect emerges. This new adult form is usually equipped to feed, reproduce, and carry out its role in the ecosystem.