Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
larva
noun
/ˈlɑːrvə/
Definition
The juvenile form of an animal that undergoes metamorphosis, especially in insects and amphibians, after hatching from an egg.
Examples
- A butterfly begins its life as a larva, commonly known as a caterpillar.
- The larva of the mosquito is an important stage in its life cycle.
- Some fish species have a larval stage before maturing into adult fish.
Meaning
A larva is an early stage in the life cycle of many organisms, characterized by a different form than that of the adult stage. It typically has distinct features and is often found in aquatic environments or soil.
Synonyms
- nymph
- pupa
- juvenile
