Nerve cord sectioning in the early fifth instar larva of Papilio demoleus inhibited or delayed pupation depending on the site of sectioning. This seems to be due to interruption in the feeding leading to interruption in the proprioceptive input reaching the brain. Sectioning of the peripheral nerves N5 and N8 prevented shortening (condensation) of the thoracic segment of the ventral nerve cord in the adult. Sectioning of these and other nerves, however, had no effect on the developmental events.