No, a pupa is not an egg.
Understanding the Insect Life Cycle
The life cycle of an insect involves several distinct stages. According to the provided reference, the process begins with an egg, which then hatches into a larva.
Stages of Insect Development
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Egg | The first stage, laid by the female insect. |
| Larva | Hatches from the egg; a growing stage (e.g., caterpillar). |
| Pupa | A protective stage formed around the larva where significant transformation occurs. |
Following the larval stage, the insect enters the pupal stage. A pupa is then formed around the larva to protect it during its transformation. Finally, the adult insect emerges from the pupa. Therefore, a pupa is a stage after the egg and larva, not an egg itself.
