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~ Coccinellidae pupae · boružių lėliukės

  • ladybird beetles, lady beetles, ladybirds, ladybugs
  • Marienkäfer
  • boružės
  • mārīšu dzimta
  • biedronkowate

The prepupal stage (the time between when the ladybug larvae ceases eating and attaches itself to the substrate – and when it actually becomes a pupa in a pupal skin) looks hunched. In most cases, the larval skin is shed as the larva becomes a pupa – but remains wrapped around the posterior (tail) end of the pupa which is attached to the substrate.

Though the pupa is attached at one end and in a state of morphological change, it is not always immobile and will flick its anterior (head) end up and down if annoyed. This action possibly evolved as a deterrent to Hymenopteran pupal parasites, making it difficult for them to oviposit (lay their eggs). Emergence generally occurs after about one week, depending on temperature. The pupal skin splits along the back and the adult climbs out, then rests while expanding and drying its wings.