The phrase "pupal stage" refers to a phase in the life cycle of certain insects, such as butterflies or beetles, where they transform from a larva (caterpillar or grub) into an adult inside a protective casing called a pupa. Full definition
To determine if seta number is a reasonable estimator of cell number in Nasonia, the number of cells per seta was determined at the red - orange - eye pupal stage, where setae are most distinguishable before the wing sclerotizes and cell nuclei disappear. (journals.plos.org)
Later, eggs develop through larval and pupal stages into a new generation of adult fleas. (happytailsspa-blog.com)
Only the larval and pupal stages shed their cuticle to allow for growth. (fleascience.com)