larv

Larv is the singular form used in some languages for a larva, the immature life stage of many animals that undergo metamorphosis. In English, the standard term is larva (plural larvae). Larval forms are typically specialized for feeding and growth and can look very different from the adult. They occur across insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and other invertebrates.

Etymology and usage: The word larva originates from Latin, where it meant a ghost or mask and later came to denote an immature form. In languages such as Swedish and Norwegian, larv is the common word for a larval stage, while in Danish the equivalent is often larv or larve depending on dialect. The English term remains larva.

Biology and life cycles: In species with complete metamorphosis, the life cycle follows egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva is usually worm-like or grub-like and focuses on feeding to fuel later development. In species with incomplete metamorphosis, young individuals called nymphs resemble small adults and gradually acquire adult features through molts, rather than entering a pupal stage.

Ecology and examples: Larvae occur in diverse habitats, from aquatic ponds to soil and leaf litter. Common insect examples include caterpillars (butterflies and moths), maggots (flies), and grubs (beetles). Amphibians such as frogs have tadpoles as their larval stage. Larvae play crucial ecological roles as herbivores, detritivores, and predators, and can influence population dynamics of their ecosystems. Some larvae are pests or vectors of disease, while others are important food sources for higher predators.