What are pupae?

A stage of development when insects are protected by a case, or covering. Most pupae look lifeless, but inside the case many big changes are taking place. The pupae are slowly turning into adult insects. Larvae usually find well-hidden places in which to change into pupae. Beetle pupae can be buried deep in the soil. Most moth pupae are covered by cocoons. They might be hidden under a leaf or behind the bark of a tree. Butterfly pupae, called chrysalides (kruh-SAL-uhdeez), are usually attached to weeds or tree branches. Mud, stones, dead leaves, or rubbish protect some pupae.