Definition

The process in which an insect transforms from a larva into a pupa, preparing for its next stage of development.

Example

The caterpillar entered pupation to become a butterfly.

Conversation

Did you know that some insects go through a process called pupation?

Really? I had no idea what that meant.

Yeah, it's when they transform into their adult form.

That's fascinating! Nature is full of surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pupation is formed from "pupa" (from Latin, meaning doll or puppet) and "-ation" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or process). The word "pupation" refers to the process of an insect developing into a pupa, which is a stage in its life cycle, resembling a doll or a dormant form.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'pupa' which means a dormant form, like a doll, and remember that 'pupation' is the process of an insect transforming into this stage.

Visually Confused Words