All insects have a life cycle where they take on different “forms”. There are different sorts (complete metamorphosis, incomplete metamorphosis, etc.) so here is a short science lesson:



MOST insects have 4 or five stages. But to make it simple we’ll stick to four and I will use Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) since everyone can relate to them



Egg – laid by adult



Larva (larvae (lar’- vee) is plural) = caterpillar stage (maggot stage in flies)



Pupa (pew’-pa) pupae (pew’-pee) is plural) = cocoon/chrysalis. The pupa is the actual insect with a hardened “case” and is either within a protective cocoon (silk) or is within a chrysalis



Adult (moth or butterfly)



I just released three adult male luna moths that I had gotten as eggs, fed as larva for about 6 weeks, they spun up their cocoons August 1st and eclosed (came out of cocoon as adults) yesterday.



hope this helps!

oh, and remember: The only stupid question is the one you never ask



>>what is a pupae and what is a larve? i know, i know i should have paid better attention during my life science class in high school...you just never think you're ACTUALLY going to use that information! lol

>>

>>dennis

>>-----

>>compasscreek backcountry adventures

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