Clavate larva
- Pronunciation
- /KLAY-vayt LAR-vah/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Clavate larva
- Plural
- Clavate larvae
Definition
A type of larval insect characterized by a club-shaped or clavate (meaning 'club-like') appearance, often with a distinct thickening at the end of the abdomen.
Etymology
From Latin *clava*, meaning 'club'.
Example
The clavate larva of the European corn borer exhibits a club-shaped abdomen with a distinct apical thickening.
Related Terms
- Larva
- Insect
- Morphology
Usage Notes
Clavate larvae are often found in groups like Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.