Crustaceans form a heterogeneous group of Arthropods commonly with at least two distinct phases in its life: larval phase and adult phase. This classic concept of development which includes a larval phase is called indirect or metamorphic because the existence of radical changes into a new bauplan. However, we know now that there are many patterns of development and also many distinct larvae. Different concepts of larvae used in the present result in misidentification of new species and a taxonomic problem. Currently, the main pattern of development for the crustaceans includes up to four larval phases, each one exhibiting distinct morphology and behavior. In the present work, new arguments are provided towards a best definition of the developmental phases for the crustaceans.

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