in Natural History, a name given by Linnaeus to insects in that state which is called by other writers eruca or caterpillar.

LARVÆ, in Antiquity, derived from the Etruscan word lar or lars, signifying "prince or lord," denoted the ghosts of the deceased, considered as wicked and mischievous. Hence is formed the term larvaestus, that is, larva indatus or daemonio. The ingenious Mr Farmer urges the etymology and use of this term to prove that the heathen demons were human ghosts. The larvae were also called lemures.