Pupation

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The transformation process in specific organisms involves a transitional phase from larva to pupa, leading to an adult stage
2. In the life cycle of certain insects, there exists a period where the larval form develops into a pupa, culminating in adulthood
3. The stage in some insects' development where they undergo a transition from larva to pupa as part of their metamorphosis

Etymology: Entomologists borrowed the stage's name from Latin "pupa," which meant "doll" or "puppet," and in Roman usage could also mean a young girl. The name fits the appearance of many pupae, which are often wrapped or bound like a swaddled infant or a small figure in a cradle. Linnaeus helped establish "pupa" as the technical term for this stage in the 18th century. "Pupation" is simply "pupa" with the suffix "-ation," which comes through French from Latin "-atio" and forms nouns of process, as in "creation" or "migration." It was formed in English to name the act of entering that stage, likely in the 19th century, once the life cycle of insects was being described in detail.

Synonyms: metamorphosis, transformation, change, development, maturation