Lexic.us

Definition of Larva

1. Noun. The immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose.

Definition of Larva

1. n. Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time. The larvæ of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larvæ are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc.

Definition of Larva

1. Noun. An early stage of growth for some insects and amphibians, in which after hatching from their egg, insects are wingless and resemble a caterpillar or grub, and amphibians lack limbs and ressemble fish. ¹

2. Noun. An animal in the aforementioned stage. ¹

3. Noun. A form of a recently born or hatched animal that is quite different from its adult stage. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Larva

1. the immature form of various insects and animals when newly hatched [n -VAE or -VAS] : LARVAL [adj]

Medical Definition of Larva

1. Origin: L. Larva ghost, specter, mask. 1. Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or colour each time. The larvae of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larvae are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc. 2. The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Larva

Literary usage of Larva

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Report of the Secretary of Agriculture by United States Dept. of Agriculture (1882)
"larva; la, lateral view of head of larva ; Ib, cephalic aspect of the same ; le, right caudal spiracle. FIG. 2.—Puparium. FlG. 8.—Adult. ..."

2. The Canadian Entomologist by Entomological Society of Canada (1951- ), Entomological Society of Ontario (1905)
"When first taken, this larva was uniformly light gray or dirty white in ... After P*P*1 ies to the final stage of the larva before it changed to a pupa. ..."

3. Report of the Annual Meeting (1862)
"Hence the same larva might be suspected by both parties and neglected accordingly. A larva which had lately attracted considerable attention had in this way ..."

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