Figure 1.

Insects have evolved an extensive diversity of protective coloration strategies in the pupal stage, although their function and mechanisms have largely remained unstudied. (a) Pupae of the Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) are well camouflaged. (b) Pupae can also masquerade themselves to resemble something uninteresting to potential predators such as leaf-mimicking chrysalises of the Common Maplet butterfly (Chersoneria risa). (c) In some species, such as Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), pupae may advertise their defensive toxins with conspicuous warning colours. (d) Pupae can also have shiny coloration such as chrysalides of the Common Crow butterflies (Euploea core), which could both function as a warning signal or conceal the pupa from the predator's eye. (Photos: a–d Adobe Stock.)