Baby Insect Names: Caterpillars, Nymphs, Grubs & Larvae

Insects have the most diverse baby names in the animal kingdom — and the most dramatic transformations.

Complete Metamorphosis (4 stages)

Insects that go through complete metamorphosis have four baby stages:

Egg → laid on host plant

Larva → eating machine (caterpillar, grub, maggot)

Pupa → transformation chamber (chrysalis, cocoon)

Adult → winged insect

Larva Names by Insect

InsectLarva NameDescription
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ButterflyCaterpillarEats leaves, transforms in chrysalis
BeetleGrubLives in soil, eats roots
FlyMaggotLives in decaying matter
BeeGrub/LarvaFed royal jelly in hive
AntLarvaCared for by worker ants
MosquitoWrigglerLives in standing water

Incomplete Metamorphosis (3 stages)

Some insects skip the pupa stage:

Egg → laid on surface

Nymph → mini adult (molts several times)

Adult → fully formed

Nymphs

Dragonfly nymph — lives underwater for years!

Grasshopper nymph — looks like tiny adult without wings

Cicada nymph — lives underground for 13-17 years!

Fun Facts

Caterpillars have 12 eyes but terrible vision

Dragonfly nymphs shoot water from their rear to jet-propel

Some ant larvae spin silk to build nests

Bee larvae fed only royal jelly become queens!