Catalogue of Larval Forms in Various Animal Groups

The larval stages and types found in different groups are many. Each larval type has a different structure and is known by a different name.

Table:  Examples of larval forms in major animal groups

Table lists out the names of some of the commonly studied larvae which occur in different animal groups. A look at the table will make you aware that metamorphosis is widespread in the animal kingdom. It occurs in many phyla in the invertebrates, ranging from the sponges (porifera) through the echinoderm and in several chordates.