What is the Difference Between Larva and Pupa?

The larva and pupa are two different developmental stages of an insect. The larva is the first or primary stage of an insect's life cycle, followed by the pupal stage. Here are the main differences between larva and pupa:

• Formation: The larva is formed from an egg, while the pupa is formed from the larva.
• Activity level: Larvae are typically more active, while pupae are less active or inactive.
• Body shape: Larvae have a soft, elongated body, while pupae have a more compact, rounded body shape.
• Feeding: Larvae feed on vegetation and moult, while there is no feeding in the pupal stage.
• Growth: Growth is found in the larval stage, but no growth is found in the pupal stage.
• Structure: The larva comprises a distinct head and continuous thorax and abdomen, while the pupa comprises cephalothoraxes, which are formed by the fusion of head and thorax.
• Active moments: The larval stage has active moments, while the pupal stage is inactive and motionless.
• Followed by: The larva is followed by the pupa, which is then followed by the adult stage.

Both the larva and pupa stages are part of the life cycle of certain organisms, such as insects, and they represent different stages of development as an organism transforms from one form to another.

Comparative Table: Larva vs Pupa

Here is a table summarizing the main differences between larva and pupa:

The larva is a worm-like creature that emerges from an egg and represents the first or primary stage of an insect's life cycle. Larvae are considered young or baby insects, and their body is covered by a thin cuticle. The pupa, on the other hand, is an inactive and transformative stage that occurs after the larval stage. During the pupal stage, there is no feeding, and the insect's body undergoes transformation, eventually leading to the emergence of an adult insect.