Larvae and pupa are two distinct developmental stages of insects. The larva is said to be the first or primary stage of the insect life cycle, followed by the pupal stage.
An egg is a worm-like creature that hatches from an egg. When the egg hatches, the larval stage begins. Therefore, the caterpillar is also considered a child or children’s pest. The body of the larva is covered with a thin shell.
The stage in which the caterpillar forms a container around itself is called a pupa. The pupa is a quiescent or alternate dormant state following the larval stage.
What is Larva?
The larva is the juvenile form of many animals before transitioning to adulthood. This is a type of indirect evolution that occurs in many animals including amphibians, insects, etc.
Generally all these animals have a larval phase in their life cycle and the appearance of larvae is very different compared to the way of an adult.
A typical insect in its larval stage has many structures that are not visible in its growth form. The pattern of interaction with the environment, as well as their diet and nutrition, is quite different from the adult morphology of the animal.
Larvae of all amphibians or insects tend to avoid predators beyond their critical population of their particular habitat.
What is Pupa?
The pupal stage follows the larval stage. The life cycle of an insect passes through 4 distinct stages namely egg, larva, pupa and imago (adult stage).
The pupal stage of the insect is controlled and regulated by the insect hormones, unlike the larval stage. The stage where the larva hatches is called inflammation.
Cells in the larval stage begin to grow rapidly. They then become different parts of the insect, such as eyes, wings, legs and other parts of the insect.
Each doll has a unique name. For example, the pupae of insects are called pupae. Pupae are usually confined within a bark or stem.
Difference Between Larva and Pupa
| Larva | Pupa |
| Initial Stage | |
| The larva is formed from an egg. | The pupa is formed from the larva. |
| Effective | |
| The larva is more active. | The pupa is less active. |
| Body features | |
| The larva comprises the distinct head and continuous thorax and abdomen. | The pupa comprises cephalothoraxes, which are formed by the fusion of head and thorax. |
| Nutrition | |
| The larva feeds on vegetation and moults. | There is no feeding in the pupal stage. |
| Growth | |
| Growth is found in the larval stage. | No growth is found in the pupal stage. |
| Active | |
| In the larval stage, there is a presence of active moments. | The pupal stage is an inactive and motionless stage. |
| Complete metamorphosis | |
| The larva is followed by the pupa | The pupa is followed by the adult stage. |
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