In Spanish, "larva" refers to the juvenile form of an organism that undergoes metamorphosis, particularly in insects and some other animals. This term is commonly used in both general and biological contexts. The frequency of use is moderate, as it appears in scientific literature, education, and occasionally in discussions about environmental or ecological topics. While it can be found in both oral and written contexts, it is more prevalent in written contexts due to its scientific nature.
Las larvas de mariposa se alimentan de hojas tiernas.
(The caterpillar larvae feed on tender leaves.)
La larva de mosquito puede ser un problema en el agua estancada.
(The mosquito larvae can be a problem in stagnant water.)
Durante la fase larval, muchos organismos cambian su apariencia y hábitos.
(During the larval phase, many organisms change their appearance and habits.)
The word "larva" is not commonly found in specific idiomatic expressions in Spanish, but it can be used metaphorically in some contexts to describe a stage of development or transformation.
Aún está en su etapa larval, necesita más tiempo para madurar.
(He is still in his larval stage; he needs more time to mature.)
La idea de su proyecto es una larva que todavía no ha desarrollado su verdadero potencial.
(The idea for his project is a larva that has not yet developed its true potential.)
En el mundo del arte, muchos talentos emergentes son como larvas antes de convertirse en mariposas.
(In the art world, many emerging talents are like larvae before becoming butterflies.)
The term "larva" originates from Latin "larva," which means "ghost" or "mask." This usage reflected the idea of a creature that is in a transitional phase, often hiding its true form as it undergoes metamorphosis.
Ninfa (nymph, specifically in certain stages of insects)
Antonyms:
In summary, "larva" is a significant term within scientific discourse, particularly in biology, and can be metaphorically used to express transformation and potential growth.