Why Is a Baby Bee Called a Larva?

Q: What is a baby bee called?

A baby bee is called a larva. Bee larvae are fed royal jelly for the first 3 days

Q: What other animals are called larvas?

Yes! 4 animals share the baby name "Larva": ant, bee, ladybug, salamander.

The story behind the baby animal name “Larva” — its origin, meaning, and history.

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Baby Animal Names Editorial Team

·Updated 2025

Quick Answer

A baby bee is called a larva. The name "Larva" has been used for baby bees for centuries.

The Origin of “Larva”

The baby animal name “Larva” for bees has deep roots in the English language. Like many baby animal names, it evolved from practical usage — people who worked closely with animals needed specific terms to describe their young.

Baby animal names often come from Old English, Latin, French, or indigenous languages. They reflect how humans have interacted with and categorized animals throughout history.

Other Animals Called “Larva”

“Larva” isn't unique to bees.4 animals share this baby name:

Insects

Insects

Reptiles & Amphibians

See all animals called “Larva” →

Fun Facts About Baby Bees

•Bee larvae are fed royal jelly for the first 3 days
•Only larvae fed royal jelly exclusively become queens
•Worker bees raise the larvae in hexagonal cells
•A queen bee larva develops in just 16 days

Did You Know?

Whether a bee becomes a queen or worker depends entirely on what it's fed as a baby — royal jelly makes queens!

How to Pronounce “Larva”