The pupa of Culicoides (Monoculicoides Khalaf) sonorensis Wirth and Jones is described for the first time in detail based on whole specimens and exuviae. A multitude of approaches were used in this description to offer one of the most in-depth comparative morphological studies of any ceratopogonid pupa. Illustrations were made using compound and dissecting light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The pupal description for C. sonorensis was based on morphological comparisons with species of Culicoides Latreille including other members of the subgenus C. (Monoculicoides). This study highlights possible synapomorphies for the subgenus as well as the need for future pupal research.