caterpillars

caterpillars
Larva Lar"va (l[aum]r"v[.a]), n.; pl. L. {Larv[ae]} (l[aum]r"v[ae]), E. {Larvas} (l[aum]r"v[.a]z). [L. larva ghost, specter, mask.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time. The larv[ae] of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larv[ae] are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called {caterpillars}, {grubs}, {maggots}, etc. [1913 Webster]

2. (Zo["o]l.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • caterpillars — cat·er·pil·lar || kætÉ™pɪlÉ™ n. wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth …   English contemporary dictionary

  • caterpillars —    Make but few appearances in English lore, in most cases as one of the many small creatures who must be sacrificed to cure someone of whooping cough or, in at least one instance, the ague. The usual procedure is to tie the caterpillar in a bag… …   A Dictionary of English folklore

  • CATERPILLARS — …   Useful english dictionary

  • Social caterpillars — The collective behaviors of social caterpillars falls into five general categories: collective and cooperative foraging, group defense against predators and parasitoids, shelter building, thermoregulation and substrate silking to enhance… …   Wikipedia

  • Moonpools & Caterpillars — was a Filipino American rock band based in California. The band was most popular in the 1990s. They released three albums commercially, The Pink Album (self released), Lucky Dumpling (1995, Elektra Records), and 12 Songs (self released). Lucky… …   Wikipedia

  • tent caterpillars — Lackey Lack ey, n.; pl. {Lackeys}. [F. laquais; cf. Sp. & Pg. lacayo; of uncertain origin; perh. of German origin, and akin to E. lick, v.] An attending male servant; a footman; a servile follower. [1913 Webster] Like a Christian footboy or a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Caterpillar — Caterpillars are the larval form of a member of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). They are mostly phytophagous in food habit, with some species being entomophagous. Caterpillars are voracious feeders and… …   Wikipedia

  • Eastern tent caterpillar — Adult …   Wikipedia

  • Tent caterpillar — Taxobox name = Tent caterpillars image width = 240px image caption = Lackey moth, Malacosoma neustrium regnum = Animalia phylum = Arthropoda classis = Insecta ordo = Lepidoptera unranked familia = Macrolepidoptera superfamilia = Lasiocampoidea… …   Wikipedia

  • Gonimbrasia belina — Mopane worm atop a mango leaf Scientific classification Kingdom: Animali …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”