Pupa Overview
A pupa resembles a mummy in many ways. Through its thin skin the outlines of wings, antennae, legs, proboscis and eyes are vaguely visible. The pupa hangs more or less motionless (some bending occurs within the abdomen) from the cremaster. The cremaster consists of several crochets which are attached to the rear of the pupa. These crochets attach themselves to a silk pad spun onto a twig or other surface.
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Pupa's Body Segments
The pupa (chrysalis) has three body segments, like the larva:
- Head
The mouthparts that the caterpillar used for chewing are no longer necessary because the adult butterfly thrives on a liquid diet. In place of mandibles, the proboscis, a coiled straw-like mouthpart, begins to form so that the adult will be able to obtain its liquid diet.
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- Thorax
Wings will be formed from the thorax.
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- Abdomen
The stomach is emptied as the pupa forms. The adult will not need a large stomach because it will be on a liquid diet. (This is an interesting contrast to the larvae, which needs a large stomach to take in a large amount of food) During the course of the pupal stage, the organism will consume its stomach to gather the energy it needs.
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