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Dictionary » L » Larva

Larva

Larva

Origin: L. Larva ghost, specter, mask.

1. (Science: zoology) Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or colour each time. The larvae of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larvae are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc.

2. (Science: zoology) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.


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Re: A question from Cloning

... into an egg cell of an insect, I could expect the cross product of the reaction to produce an insect with a fungal characteristic ( insect larva born with a hypha), OR , a fungus with an insect characteristic ( motile fungi). I would like to hear your valuable comments about this possibility. ...

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by koyal
Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:13 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: A question from Cloning
Replies: 16
Views: 491

Evolution of Parasitoids

From a scavenger larva to one that could live inside a living host is not much of a leap; from deposit of eggs on dead or debilitated hosts to lively ones isn't a huge leap. Once you've got a parasite and host, coevolution is pretty ...

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by Darby
Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:46 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Evolution of Parasitoids
Replies: 3
Views: 833

Re:

The Apendicularia( Oikopleura sp. ) do not undergo metamorphosis, and the adult retains all the characteristics of the larva, including the notochord. But it is simply an exception, not the general rule. But it might be a very important exception indeed. It is of course vain and superfluous ...

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by DrD
Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:13 pm
 
Forum: Zoology Discussion
Topic: tunicate-notochord or NO notochord
Replies: 2
Views: 1620

tunicate-notochord or NO notochord

... of amphioxus retain their notochord in the adult stage. With Tunicata, the rule is like this: all of them have a notochord in their tail in the larval stage, but they loose the notochord upon metamorphosis, when they loose their whole tail. There are a few tunicates, however, that make up an ...

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by MrMistery
Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:15 am
 
Forum: Zoology Discussion
Topic: tunicate-notochord or NO notochord
Replies: 2
Views: 1620

Why can't hemolymph in insects carry oxigen??

Bloodworms another example of insects using hemoglobin for obtaining oxygen. (aquatic fly larva that are sometimes used to feed pet fish)

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by February Beetle
Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:53 am
 
Forum: Physiology
Topic: Why can't hemolymph in insects carry oxigen??
Replies: 11
Views: 3820
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