Translation guide
The English word 'larva' refers to the juvenile form of many insects and other animals that undergo metamorphosis. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 幼虫 (ようちゅう), but there are also more specific terms depending on the animal.
To refer to the larval stage of an animal in a general or scientific context.
The standard term for 'larva' in Japanese, used for insects, amphibians, and other animals. It is neutral and widely understood.
Beetle larvae grow in the soil.
There are many frog larvae in this pond.
A more scientific term, often used for aquatic larvae or in biology. It can also refer to larval stages of marine animals.
Sea urchin larvae drift as plankton.
To specifically refer to the larval stage of butterflies or moths.
Refers to hairy caterpillars. Note that this term can also be used for other hairy larvae, but it is the most common word for a caterpillar in everyday language.
A caterpillar is eating the leaves.
Refers to hairless, often plump caterpillars (like hornworms). It is also used for some other larvae, but commonly for butterfly/moth larvae without hair.
Specifically refers to green caterpillars, often those that feed on cabbage or other plants. It is a subset of caterpillars.
To refer to the larval stage of flies, often found in decaying matter.
To refer to the aquatic larva of mosquitoes.
The common term for mosquito larvae, often seen wriggling in stagnant water. It is a specific and widely used word.
Mosquito larvae appeared in the puddle.
The kanji form of ボウフラ, but it is rarely used. The katakana form is standard.
幼虫 (ようちゅう) is the general term for larva in everyday and scientific contexts, especially for insects. 幼生 (ようせい) is more technical and often used for aquatic larvae or in marine biology. For most situations, 幼虫 is sufficient.
The English loanword ラーバ is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native terms like 幼虫 or specific words like 毛虫, 蛆, etc.
トマトの葉に大きな芋虫がいた。
There was a big caterpillar on the tomato leaf.
青虫がキャベツを食べ尽くした。
The green caterpillars ate up all the cabbage.
腐った肉に蛆虫がたかっている。
Maggots are swarming on the rotten meat.
孑孑が水中で動いている。
Mosquito larvae are moving in the water.