Plural of Larva
“Larva” normally forms the Latin-derived plural “larvae.” Current Collins material also records “larvas” in an American-English dictionary treatment. For general edited English, “larvae” is the safest cross-variety choice, while “larvas” should be treated as a bounded recorded variant rather than as nonexistent.
The broadly standard plural of “larva” is “larvae.” Some current American dictionary treatment also records “larvas,” so use that regularized form only where it fits the intended variety or house style.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| general edited English | larvae | Broadly established plural. |
| bounded American variant | larvas | Recorded in current American dictionary treatment. |
| one immature animal | larva | Use singular. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Do you need a generally safe plural across varieties?
If yes: Use “larvae.”
If no: If your target American variety or house style explicitly accepts the regularized form, “larvas” may be available.
Caveat: The regularized variant has narrower evidence than “larvae,” so keep the scope explicit.
Examples
The pond contained mosquito larvae.
“Larvae” is the broadly established plural.
Each larva was measured separately.
One takes singular “larva.”
The field notes used “larvas” consistently.
The regularized form is recorded in some American treatment; use it only within an appropriate variety/style.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “larvae” as the general plural. Use “larvas” only when the target variety/style accepts that recorded variant.
Fast Test
If no regional or style reason points elsewhere, choose “larvae.”
Usage Boundary
Do not call “larvas” universally wrong, but do not present it as equally universal across varieties.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- LARVA | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge gives larvae as the plural of larva.
- LARVA definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary (opens in a new tab)HarperCollins Publishers · Collins gives larvae as the standard plural and also records larvas in one American-English dictionary treatment, creating a bounded variant note.