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Insects and other arthropods

Pupal and adult life

English
The larvae of certain insect groups have specific names: those of certain Diptera are called maggots.
Photo: Insectarium de Montréal (Claude Pilon)
Calliphoridae, Québec, Canada.
  • Calliphoridae, Québec, Canada.
  • Calliphoridae, Québec, Canada.
  • Calliphoridae, Québec, Canada.
  • Papilio polyxenes asterius, Québec, Canada.
  • Papilio polyxenes asterius, Québec, Canada.
  • Papilio polyxenes asterius, Québec, Canada.
  • Papilio rumanzovia, Philippines.
  • Papilio rumanzovia, Philippines.
  • Papilio rumanzovia, Philippines.

Pupation is a phase of the life cycle that is unique to insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. During this stage, major internal transformations take place so that the insect can become an adult. The beginnings of wings appear at this stage. At the pupal stage, the insect does not eat and is usually almost or completely immobile.

Adult life

After a period of time in the pupal stage comes the insect’s first moult, which marks the transition to adulthood. The adult insect is usually winged and very mobile. It can reproduce and ensure the continuity of the species.