The black spots are lost by the time the final stage larva is reached.

Second stage larvae hatch from these eggs and are approximately 0.5mm long and 0.02mm wide.

First stage larvae (L1) develop within the eggshell in 30-36 days.

In late stage larvae, tube feet may be seen developing round the skeleton.

All the groups have second and third stage larvae.

The young stage larvae (1st instar) will eat some of this material.

Late stage larvae feed on the terminal leaflets of their host plant.

In such a way the first stage larvae will fall into the water, where they will start their life cycle.

Calcified first stage larvae (called protaspis) are known in a few species.

Regardless, introduction of the stage three infective larvae is necessary for human infection.