larval
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or in the form of a larva.
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Also larvate (of a disease) masked; not clearly defined.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of larval
From the Latin word larvālis, dating back to 1650–60. See larva, -al 1
Explanation
The most basic, original form of something — especially when you're talking about insects — can be described as larval. A caterpillar is the larval form of a butterfly. In animals that take one form before metamorphosing into their adult shape, that first, immature stage is larval. The larval phase of a frog is a tadpole, and the larval form of a fly is a tiny, white, squirming maggot. You can also use this adjective in a figurative way, for the early stage of non-insects: "My novel is really still in its larval form. It's actually just a paragraph."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They collect heat and organic matter, which mosquitoes feed on during their larval stage, and are almost impossible to empty once water pools inside.
From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026
Rolling off the bed in a silicon sleep cocoon, Grace gradually evolves from a wriggling larval stage into a fully upright, walking and talking smarty-pants.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026
It is the larval, or maggot, stage of a metallic-looking blowfly known as Cochliomyia hominivorax.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 17, 2025
After being exposed to the stress of starvation and physical injury, the comb jellies in Soto-Angel’s care reverted back to a cydippid larval stage.
From Salon ● Nov. 10, 2024
Other scientists are working on the so-called “juvenile hormone,” a powerful substance which prevents metamorphosis of the larval insect until the proper stage of growth has been reached.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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