Pupación

Pupación is a term used in biology to describe the process of pupation, which is the transformation stage between the larval and adult forms of many insects, particularly those that undergo complete metamorphosis. This stage is characterized by significant internal and external reorganization of the insect's body. During pupation, the larva ceases to feed and often seeks a protected location. Inside the pupa, larval tissues are broken down and reorganized into adult structures through a process called histolysis and histogenesis. Externally, the pupa may appear inactive, but internally, a dramatic metamorphosis is occurring. The duration of the pupal stage varies greatly among species, influenced by factors such as temperature, food availability, and day length. Some insects spend only a few days as pupae, while others may overwinter in this stage. The pupa is typically enclosed in a protective casing, which can be a chrysalis in butterflies, a cocoon spun by the larva, or the hardened cuticle of the larva itself in some flies. Once metamorphosis is complete, the adult insect emerges from the pupal casing.