'larvae' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'larva', where 'larva' meant 'ghost, mask; insect in its early form'.

'larva' was adopted directly from Latin into English in the 17th century, and its plural form 'larvae' follows the Latin pluralization.

Initially, it meant 'ghost or mask', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the immature, wingless, feeding stage of an insect'.