1. the hardened larval skin of certain flies that serves as a protective casing for the pupa
Usage: entomology

Examples

• The fly’s puparium protects the developing insect during metamorphosis.
• Scientists examined the puparium under a microscope to study the fly’s development.
• The brown puparium was found buried in the soil where the larva had pupated.
• After emerging from the puparium, the adult fly spread its wings to dry.
• Researchers collected puparia from the compost pile for their insect study.
• The puparium splits open when the mature fly is ready to emerge.