larvae

Larvae are the immature stage of many insects after they hatch from eggs. They often look quite different from the adult form, focusing on growth and development. For example, a butterfly's larva is a caterpillar. During this stage, larvae eat extensively to build energy reserves necessary for eventual transformation into adults through a process called metamorphosis. They may have specialized features suited for feeding and growth, and their appearance varies widely depending on the species. Once their development is complete, larvae typically undergo a pupal stage before emerging as adult insects.