larvae
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈɫɑɹvi// UK //lˈɑːviː// lar·vae
n. the young, worm-like stage of an insect's life before it changes into its adult form. You often see them as caterpillars or maggots.
n. the active immature form of an insect, especially one that differs greatly from the adult and forms the stage between egg and pupa.
The pond was full of mosquito larvae.
Gardeners often look for butterfly larvae on the underside of leaves during the spring months.
The success of the ecosystem depends on these aquatic larvae, which serve as a primary food source for local fish before they undergo metamorphosis into flying insects.
Usage
The plural form of 'larva'; follows Latin pluralization rules.
Pitfall
The larvae is growingThe larvae are growingLarvae is the plural form; the singular form is larva.