Synonyms of larva

larva

noun

ˈlär-və 

as in nymph

a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects

the larva looked ugly, but it was destined to hatch into a beautiful butterfly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nymph
• pupa
• naiad

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of larva

Fireflies go through four life stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult – in a process called complete metamorphosis. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Look in curled leaves that often contain webs with the larva stages — often called worms. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

There are no insecticides that will control the larva of this inconspicuous grayish-brown moth. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

Screwworms are actually a type of maggot, or larva. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 June 2026