chrysallis

Chrysallis is a variant spelling of chrysalis, the pupal stage in the life cycle of many insects, especially butterflies and some moths. During this stage the larva is largely immobile as its tissues and organs are reorganized to become the adult insect. This transformation occurs as part of complete metamorphosis (holometabolism), which follows the sequence: egg, larva (caterpillar), chrysalis (pupa), and adult. The chrysalis is often suspended from a surface by silk or other attachments and may be camouflaged, hardened, or otherwise protected.

Beyond its biological sense, chrysallis is used as a proper noun in various languages and contexts, including as a name for organizations, projects, or fictional works. Spelling variants include chrysallis and chrysalis, with the intended meaning usually clear from the surrounding context.