Facts About Pupa

Pupa is the phase in a butterfly or moth's life where it goes through metamorphosis and transitions into its adult form. Here, the caterpillar, which is the larval stage of the butterfly or moth's life, changes into the butterfly or moth as it reappears from the cocoon, which serves as the pupa's protective covering.

  1. Function

    • The pupa stage is a metamorphosis stage, in which the butterfly or moth larva does not eat or move around. This is an inactive phase in the pupae's life. At this time, the larva is vulnerable to outdoor predators and can even be knocked around by strong gusts of wind. As such, the larva positions itself in preparation for pupa in inconspicuous locations within trees, basements, attics or places where it will not likely be disturbed.

    Time Frame

    • Pupa can last anywhere from a few days to a few months or even two years, according to the Academy of Natural Sciences. The time it takes for the pupal stage to complete is dependent on the species.

    Process

    • During the pupal process, cells are changing within the larva and taking on new features of the final butterfly or moth. Cellular growth causes the wings and legs of the butterfly or moth to take shape, and gives form to other features as well, such as the eyes. From the outside of the cocoon, you cannot tell that anything is occurring within.

    Position

    • As the pupal process takes place, and the metamorphosis occurs, the butterfly or moth's body comes into position inside the cocoon. The head forms at the bottom, or hanging end, of the pupa with its wings in the middle and feet at the attached end towards the hook. The hook is what the caterpillar creates to suspend the cocoon to a twig or structure from where it hangs.