larva etymology

Etymology:

The word "larva" derives from the Latin word "larva," meaning "ghost" or "specter." It was originally used to describe the ghost-like appearance of maggots and other insect larvae.

Meaning:

A larva is an immature form of an insect, such as a caterpillar, maggot, or grub. Larvae typically have distinct forms and behaviors from the adult insects they will become.

Origin:

The word "larva" has been in use since at least the 16th century, and was first used in an entomological context by the Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi in the 1600s. The term has since been adopted into various languages worldwide.

Additional Information:

• The word "larva" is also used in a figurative sense to describe a person or thing that is undeveloped, immature, or not fully formed.
• In zoology, the term "larva" is used specifically for the immature stage of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis, such as butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies.
• Insects that do not undergo complete metamorphosis have immature stages referred to as "nymphs" instead of "larvae."

larva relate terms

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• larvae

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• larva

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• vermeil

  Etymology French vermeil Latin vermeculus diminutive of vermis a worm Meaning

• moth

  Etymology Middle English mothe from Old English mohþe related to Old Norse motti

• caterpillar

  Etymology The word caterpillar has its origins in Old French where it was known as ch

• rebut

  Etymology The word rebut comes from the Old French word rebouter which means to dri

• brute

  Etymology The word brute is derived from the Old French word brute which in turn com

• creature

  Etymology The word creature is derived from the Old French word creature which in tu

• animal

  Etymology The word animal comes from the Latin word animalis meaning having life o

• fauna

  Etymology The word fauna is derived from the Latin word faunus which was the name of