prepupa
/priˈpjuːpə/
noun
- A stage in the life of some insects between the larva and the pupa, when the insect stops moving and prepares to become a pupa.
- The caterpillar entered the prepupa stage before forming its chrysalis.
- Scientists studied the prepupa to understand how metamorphosis begins.
- During the prepupa phase, the insect's body begins to change shape.