Larvae: meaning, definitions and examples

biological development

Larvae are the immature forms of an insect or other animal that undergoes metamorphosis. They often differ significantly in appearance and habitat from the adult forms. In many species, larvae serve as a stage of growth, feeding primarily to accumulate energy for their transformation. Common examples of larvae include caterpillars, maggots, and tadpoles, which will eventually develop into their respective adult forms.

caterpillar, grub, nymph, pupa.

Examples of usage

• The caterpillar is the larval stage of the butterfly.

• Maggots develop from larvae that hatch from eggs laid on decaying matter.

• Tadpoles are aquatic larvae that eventually metamorphose into frogs.

• Some species of beetles have a distinct larval form called a grub.

• The larvae of certain species can be harmful to crops and gardens.