Larvae are the immature forms of certain animals, particularly insects, that undergo metamorphosis. They typically hatch from eggs and look very different from their adult counterparts. For example, a butterfly larva is called a caterpillar, while a frog larva is known as a tadpole. Larvae often have specific adaptations that help them feed and grow, such as specialized mouthparts. During the larval stage, these organisms usually focus on eating and accumulating energy for their transformation into adults. This stage can last from a few days to several months, depending on the species. After sufficient growth, larvae will enter a pupal stage, where they undergo significant changes before emerging as adults.