Pupariation and Pupation in Cyclorrhaphous Flies (Diptera): Terminology and Interpretation1

Abstract

Formation of the puparium in cyclorrhaphous flies occurs many hours before that of the pupa and should be consistently termed pupariation to distinguish it from the process of pupation. During the part of the 3rd larval stage between end of feeding and pupariation, the larva should be called the postfeeding larva. During the period between pupariation and larval-pupal apolysis, the larva should be called the prepupa. The term cryptocephalic pupa denotes the pupa during the period between larval-pupal apolysis and head evagination. The time between head evagination and the pupal-adult apolysis is an extended period during which the insect closely resembles an exarate (free) pupa in other insect orders. Larvalpupal apolysis occurs well after pupariation, and over a period, and starts anteriorly. Pupal-adult apolysis occurs long after head evagination, and also over a period, but starting posteriorly.