Crossword Genius

Oddly plump cases transforming insects (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pupae

'transforming insects' is the definition.
(insects which will transform into adult forms)

'oddly plump cases' is the wordplay.
'oddly' indicates alternate letters (letters in the odd-numbered positions are used).
'plump'+'cases'='plumpcases'
The alternate letters of 'plumpcases' are 'PUPAE'.

(Other definitions for pupae that I've seen before include "Chrysalises" , "Insects in the stage between larva and adult" , "Chrysalids" , "Insects in form between larvae and adults" , "Insects in the inactive stage of development" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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