larva
Definition
A larva is a young insect that looks very different from its adult form. Larvae are often worm-like or caterpillar-like, and they have different body parts than adults. For example, larvae don't have wings or eyes.
Larvae usually eat a lot and grow quickly. They moult their skin several times as they grow. After the last moult, the larva becomes an adult insect.
How can the word be used?
Larvae are found in a wide variety of insects, including butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies.
Different forms of the word
Noun: Larva is the immature form of an insect, typically wingless and worm-like.
Adjective: Larval is an adjective that describes something that is related to a larva. For example, a larval stage is a stage in the life cycle of an insect when it is a larva.
Verb: To larvate is to undergo the larval stage. For example, a butterfly larvates when it transforms into a pupa.
Etymology
The word "larva" comes from the Latin word "larva", which means "mask" or "ghost". This is because larvae often have a very different appearance from the adult insects that they will eventually become.
The Latin word "larva" is thought to be related to the Greek word "λάρβα" (larva), which also means "mask" or "ghost".
Question
What is larva?