C1nounsciencenature
US/ˈlɑːr.və/
UK/ˈlɑː.və/
the young form of an insect after it comes out of the egg, before it changes into its adult shape
In context
The larva of a butterfly is called a caterpillar.
Mosquito larvae live in still water and breathe through tiny tubes.
After a few weeks, the larva stops eating and forms a pupa.
Words that go with larva
noun + noun
- insect larvaAn insect larva can eat many times its own weight.
- larva hatchesThe larva hatches from the egg within days.
- fly larvaA fly larva grows quickly in warm weather.
- moth larvaA moth larva was eating holes in the wool coat.
verb + preposition
- feed on larvaeFish feed on mosquito larvae in the pond.
adjective + noun
- larval stageThe larval stage lasts about two weeks.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
many larvaCorrect: many larvae