Larva
['lɑːvə] or ['lɑrvə]
Definition
(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.
Edited by Diana--From WordNet
Definition
(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 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.
(n.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.
Edited by Lizzie
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Caterpillar, grub.
Editor: Natasha
Definition
n. an insect in its first stage after issuing from the egg—i.e. in the caterpillar state: a ghost spectre:—pl. Larv (lé‹?prime;vē).—adjs. Lar′val; Lar′vate -d clothed as with a mask; Lar′viform; Larvip′arous producing young in a larva-form.
Edited by Denny
Examples
- The Ebers papyr us shows that the Egyptians knew of the development of the beetle from the egg, of the blow-fly from the larva, and of the frog from the tadpole. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- In some cases, however, the mature animal must be considered as lower in the scale than the larva, as with certain parasitic crustaceans. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Important changes in the embryo or larva will probably entail changes in the mature animal. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Here he looks to find a tiny particle of the demolished larva, ofttimes not more than a speck of moisture. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
- They are incapable of making their own nests, or of feeding their own larvae. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- In England the masters alone usually leave the nest to collect building materials and food for themselves, their slaves and larvae. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Both in Switzerland and England the slaves seem to have the exclusive care of the larvae, and the masters alone go on slave-making expeditions. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- This philosophical naturalist, I may add, has also shown that the muscles in the larvae of certain insects are far from uniform. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- In most cases, however, the larvae, though active, still obey, more or less closely, the law of common embryonic resemblance. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Cases can even be given of the larvae of allied species, or groups of species, differing more from each other than do the adults. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
Typed by Edmund