chrysalis; pupa
Entomological term for the stage between larva and adult in insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. Also used metaphorically for a transitional or preparatory stage.
The caterpillar turned into a chrysalis and eventually became a butterfly.
His talent is still in a pupal stage.
widespread column; Pupilla muscorum
Standard kanji spelling for chrysalis/pupa.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji is not needed.
The native Japanese word さなぎ is of uncertain origin. 蛹 is a Chinese character adopted for the insect stage.