# larvae

/ˈɫɑɹvi/ (US) · /lˈɑːviː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/larvae
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

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.

For teachers: the active immature form of an insect, especially one that differs greatly from the adult and forms the stage between egg and pupa.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The larvae is growing" but "The larvae are growing" — Larvae is the plural form; the singular form is larva.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'larva'; follows Latin pluralization rules.

---

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.