A less than perfect insect (5)

I believe the answer is:

larva

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'insect' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Immature insect' mean 'larva' so perhaps 'insect' could also mean 'larva')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for larva that I've seen before include "Maggots" , "Immature form of (insect) development" , "Grub, caterpillar stage" , "immature six-footer?" , "Volcanic outpouring" .)

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