# larva

/ˈɫɑɹvə/ (US) · /lˈɑːvɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/larva
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the early stage of an insect's life before it turns into an adult. It looks very different from the adult and usually eats a lot to grow.

For teachers: the immature, worm-like stage of an insect or other arthropod, typically occurring between the egg and the pupa or adult stage.

## Examples

- The caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly.
- The mosquito's larva lives in the water, feeding on organic matter until it is ready to emerge as an adult.
- In many species, the larva undergoes several molts as it grows, eventually forming a pupa before the final transformation into a winged adult.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.