larva noun, plural larvae, adjective larval - An insect after issuing from the egg; in particular the second stage of an insect with complete metamorphosis. The term caterpillar is generally applied to the larvae of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). The larval stage is when the insect grows most in size--the growth is interrupted by molts (ecdysis) of the integument, and each stage between molts is called an instar.

The immature stages of an insect with simple metamorphosis are called nymphs. (If aquatic, these are called naiads.)

Remarks

See Also

Stages of insect with complete metamorphosis

egg (embryo)

larva (caterpillar, planidium/triungulin)

pupa

imago (adult)

Immature stages of insects

nymph

naiad

larva

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 510 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Cotinis on 24 May, 2007 - 8:09pm
Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 12 September, 2018 - 3:41pm

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