What is the term for a juvenile insect from the time it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa?

The term that describes a juvenile insect from the moment it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa is "larva." In the life cycle of insects, particularly those that undergo complete metamorphosis such as mosquitoes, the larval stage is critical for growth and development. During this phase, the insect is primarily focused on feeding and growth, often residing in aquatic environments where they can find food and avoid predators.

The larval stage is distinct from the pupa and adult stages due to its unique morphology and behavior. After the larva grows sufficiently, it will molt several times, moving through various instars before it finally transitions into the pupal stage, where considerable transformation occurs.

Understanding the development stages is crucial for effective mosquito control strategies, as larvae can be targeted for management before they mature into adult mosquitoes, which are more noticeable and often responsible for transmission of diseases.