Lar"va (lär"v&adot;), n.;
pl. L. Larvæ (-væ), E. Larvas
(-v&adot;z). [L.
larva ghost, specter, mask.]
1. (Zoöl.) 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.
2. (Zoöl.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less
of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature
shape.
Hear it pronounced