Pupa & Adults
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 1.9.2
Pupa & Adults
The final stages of an insect's life cycle are the pupa and adult.
Pupal stage (pupa)
- The insects move into an inactive stage called the pupal stage.
- Insects do NOT eat in the pupal stage.
- Insects enclose themselves in solid structures (e.g. a cocoon or chrysalis).
- In the pupal stage, insects undergo metamorphosis.
Adult
- The adult stage is the main life stage.
- The adult insects emerge from their cocoons fully grown.
- Fully grown insects often have wings.
- Fully grown insects can now reproduce to make their own offspring (children).
Test yourself on Pupa & Adults
At which life stage does metamorphosis take place?
What are the characteristics of the pupal stage?
What do most fully grown insects have?