LARVA Meaning and
Definition
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Larva is a noun referring to the early, juvenile stage in the life cycle of certain animals, particularly insects, where they undergo metamorphosis. A larva is distinct from the adult form and often exhibits significantly different characteristics. Larvae are typically characterized by their worm-like or grub-like appearance and lack of reproductive capabilities. In most cases, the larval stage represents a period of growth and development, during which the organism undergoes various changes before reaching its mature form.
Larvae are usually hatched from eggs and may have specific ecological functions or adaptations suited for their environmental niche. Generally, larvae have highly specialized feeding behaviors and modes of locomotion that are different from those of adult individuals. They often possess unique anatomical features, such as distinct body segments or specialized appendages, which enable them to fulfill their specific ecological roles.
Larvae play a crucial role in the life cycles of many species, serving as an intermediate stage between the egg and the adult. They typically undergo metamorphosis, a process during which they transform into their adult form. This transformation may include various physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes. Examples of insects with larval stages include butterflies, beetles, and bees, in which the caterpillar, grub, and maggot respectively represent the larval forms. Larvae can also refer to the early stages of other animals, such as fish and amphibians, where they may develop in water before transitioning into their adult forms.
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1. The worm-like form of an insect on issuing from the egg, a grub, maggot, or caterpillar. 2. The young of any animal differing in form from its parent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of LARVA
The word "larva" originated from Latin. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "larva", meaning "mask" or "ghost". In ancient Roman mythology, a larva referred to a terrifying or ghostly figure, often appearing in the form of a mask. Over time, the term "larva" came to be associated with insects and other invertebrates during their early developmental stages when their bodies appear different from their adult forms, hence resembling a mask or ghostly figure.
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