larvae

2. The immature form of an animal that changes shape as it grows into an adult.

Frog larvae, called tadpoles, live in water before growing legs.

3. The early feeding stage of many insects, such as butterflies and beetles.

Butterfly larvae eat leaves constantly before forming a chrysalis.

4. Young forms of some sea animals, like barnacles and sea stars, that drift in the ocean.

Barnacle larvae float in the sea before settling on rocks.