Larva

life cycles · insects · transformation · metamorphosis

Totally different look. Larvae look so different from their adult forms that for a long time people thought they were completely different animals. A caterpillar looks nothing like the butterfly it will become.

Part of indirect development. Some animals like insects, frogs, and jellyfish go through a larval stage as part of their life cycle, called indirect development. This is different from animals like mammals that look like tiny versions of their parents from birth.

Eating machines. Most larvae are basically eating machines that focus on growing as big and strong as possible. They munch on leaves, plankton, or other food sources to build up energy for their big transformation.

Amazing metamorphosis. When a larva is ready, it undergoes metamorphosis, a dramatic change where its body completely reorganizes into its adult form. This happens inside a chrysalis for butterflies or a cocoon for moths.

Found everywhere. You can find larvae in almost every habitat on Earth, from the tiniest pond to the deepest ocean. Some larvae drift in the water as part of plankton before settling down to become adults.