A larva (/ ˈ l ɑːr v ə /; pl.: larvae / ˈ l ɑːr v iː /) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into their next life stage. Animals with indirect development such as insects , some arachnids , amphibians , or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle .

plural larvae-(ˌ)vē -ˌvī also larvas 1 : the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, alters chiefly in size while passing through several molts, and is finally transformed into a pupa or chrysalis from which the adult emerges

Mar 14, 2025 · Larvae appear in a variety of forms. Many invertebrates (e.g., cnidarians) have a simple ciliated larva called a planula. Flukes have several larval stages, and annelids, mollusks, and crustaceans have various larval forms. The larval forms of the various insects are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, and nymphs. Echinoderms (e.g., starfish ...

Dec 12, 2019 · Vermiform larvae may be found in the following insect groups: Diptera; Siphonaptera; Hymenoptera; Orthoptera; Lepidoptera; Coleoptera; Now that you have a basic understanding of the 5 different forms of insect larvae, you can practice identifying insect larvae using a dichotomous key provided by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension ...

Many species live in soil feeding on seeds or roots or in decaying wood. Rootworm larvae (c) live in the soil and feed on plant roots. Leaf beetle larvae (d), like that of the Colorado potato beetle, resemble caterpillars without fleshy abdominal legs. They feed exposed on foliage.

Jan 6, 2024 · Where do bees lay their larvae? For starters, bees don’t lay larvae. They lay eggs that later hatch as larvae. Larvae live inside the nest, where they can be protected from predators and natural elements such as wind, rain, or snow. The nesting site depends on the type of bee. For example, honey bees often build their nests in trees.

Mar 20, 2025 · Predatory larvae like those of lacewings are often campodeiform. Elateriform: These larvae are wireworm-like, with elongated, cylindrical, hard-bodied segments, like those of click beetles. Vermiform: These are maggot-like larvae, with a reduced or absent head and lacking legs. Fly larvae, or maggots, are the most well-known vermiform larvae.

Oct 19, 2023 · A larva (plural larvae ) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle.

A larva (plural: larvae) develops from the egg in those animals. It is a separate life stage from the adult reproductive stage. A larva does not look like the adult animal, and changes shape (known as metamorphosis ) as it grows up.

If it hears insects moving inside the tree, it gnaws the tree with its big teeth until it gets to the larvae. It can hear insect larvae move four meters inside the tree! The aye-aye eats insect larvae.