Pupa

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Pupae)

Pupa

A Pupa (plural: pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The processes of entering and completing the pupal stage are controlled by the insect's hormones, especially Juvenile hormone, Ecdysone, and Neurohormones. The pupae of different groups of insects have different names such as chrysalis for the pupae of butterflies and tumbler for those of the mosquito family.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Pupae may be obtect or exarate. In obtect pupae, the insect's appendages are attached to the body, while in exarate pupae, the appendages are free and not glued to the body. Some pupae remain in a resting state (quiescent) for a certain necessary period before the adult insect emerges, while others immediately begin the process of transformation into an adult.

Development[edit | edit source]

The pupal transformation into an adult insect involves significant metamorphosis, during which the insect's body is reorganized. The adult structures grow from the imaginal discs. These discs grow significantly during the pupal stage. The pupal stage is also when the adult insect's gut is formed. After the adult insect emerges from the pupa, it can begin to feed and reproduce.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Examples of insects that pupate are the orders Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants), Diptera (flies, mosquitoes), and Coleoptera (beetles).

See also[edit | edit source]

Pupa Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD