pupa, plural pupae or pupasDuring the process of metamorphosis
from the larval to the adult stage, the monarch butterfly has a
dormant chrysalis stage (pupa) when it sheds its last skin.Gary
Vestal—Stone/Getty Imageslife stage in the development of
insects exhibiting complete metamorphosis that occurs between
the larval and adult stages (imago). During pupation, larval
structures break down, and adult structures such as wings appear
for the first time. The adult emerges by either splitting the
pupal skin, chewing its way out, or secreting a fluid that
softens the silk cocoon (if present). The process of pupation is
controlled by hormones.  Some of the most commonly recognized
pupal stages are the chrysalis of butterflies and cocoon of
moths (Lepidoptera). In this protective covering, the
caterpillar is transformed into an adult. Chrysalides and
cocoons may be found hanging from twigs or bushes, hidden in
rolled leaves, in underground litter, or in burrows. Some
insects spend the winter in the pupal stage.  Co