Definition of "larva"
larva
noun
plural larvas or larvae or larvæ
An early stage of growth for some insects and amphibians, in which after hatching from their egg, insects are wingless and resemble a caterpillar or grub, and amphibians lack limbs and resemble fish.
Quotations
Several possible explanations are advanced for a large decrease in numbers between the egg and larva stage, namely, drift of larvae from the sampling station, escape through the meshes of the net, sinking below the surface layers, and loss from mortality. A seasonally erratic egg to larva ratio is pointed out.
1954, Contribution - Hawaii Marine Laboratory, page 186
(figurative) A preliminary stage of someone or something, before it has fully matured, especially a time of growth rather than one of performance.
Quotations
Man's larva stage is first announced by strong pathetic squalls; — Conscious knowledge of his helplessness, — dependency, appalls, — Evokes maternal sympathy,— for him she will provide,— Most proud mother, happy parent, as he nestles by her side.
1909, Frederick Joseph Duggan, Infinity ; Or, Nature's God, page 58
After they have fairly emerged from what may be termed the larva stage, so that they can make their way about, we see them experimenting with their bodies and exploring their surroundings. Babies handle; they taste, they feel with hands and mouths, they look, and they listen; they creep and walk and climb; later they stride, trot, jump, utilizing everything they can find in their play purpose of activity.
1930, American Childhood - Volume 16, page 10
I would call the arrival and settlement of our forefathers in this country which we now call Ghana as the egg stage; the time between the birth of the Fante Confederacy and the time of the first Legislative Council as the larva stage; the time the Positive Action was declared as the pupa stage; and the 3rd of August, 1956, when the historic motion for independence was moved, as the full-grown stage.
1956, Gold Coast. Legislative Assembly, Debates - Part 1, page 205