Insect Larvae

Coleoptera larvae

• Almost always have a well-developed head capsule
• Antennae have 2-4 segments
• 3 pairs of thoracic true (jointed) legs only with 4-5 segments
• No legs on abdomen

Lepidoptera larvae

• Almost always have a well-developed head capsule
• Antennae short with 3 segments
• 3 pairs of thoracic true (jointed) legs and one or more pairs of short, fleshy abdominal prolegs
• Teeth-like, mandibular mouthparts for chewing

Diptera larvae

• Many do not have distinct heads (maggots) but a few species do have distinct or reduced heads
• Segmented legs are absent on thorax
• Sometimes fleshy prolegs or other appendages are present on the first thoracic segment and/or last abdominal segment

Neuroptera larvae

• Sickle-like jaws (pincers) extending from the head
• Rounded body
• Chewing mouthparts

Look-alikes (not insects!)