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larvaLarve (ger.)

  • The juvenile stage in the life cycle of most invertebrates, amphibians, and fish, which hatches from the egg, is unlike the adult in form, and is normally incapable of sexual reproduction (see paedogenesis). It develops into the adult by undergoing metamorphosis. Larvae can feed themselves and are otherwise self-supporting. Examples are the tadpoles of frogs, the caterpillars of butterflies, and the ciliated planktonic larvae of many marine animals. (Oxford Dict. of Biology 2008)
    metamorphosis
    1746
    Chrysomela [Coleoptera] [...] Habitat in Lilio, Convallaria [...], cujus larva tecta legitur proprio stercore.
    Linné, C. von (1746). Fauna svecica: 150 (Nr. 425); cf. 201; 232; 248; 274; 322; 326; 337.
    1748
    Cynips. [...] Larva intra Gallam.
    Linné, C. von (1748). Systema naturae, 6th ed. (Leipzig): 64 (Nr. 188); cf. 213.
    1770
    The two small ones [sc. lizards] are Larvæ, with their branchial fins, which drop off when they quit the water.
    Pennant, T. (1770). British Zoology (new ed.), vol. IV: 37.