Definition

A stage in the life cycle of some insects that occurs just before they become a pupa, during which they are inactive and do not feed.

Example

The caterpillar transformed into a prepupa before finally becoming a pupa.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a prepupa before it turns into a pupa?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's kind of like a resting stage, just before the transformation.

That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about insects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prepupa is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "pupa" (from Latin, meaning doll or puppet, and in biological terms refers to the life stage of an insect between larva and adult). The word "prepupa" refers to the stage of an insect that occurs before it reaches the pupal stage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'pupa' referring to the insect stage — so a prepupa is the stage that comes before the pupa.

Visually Confused Words