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The mosquito life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid on the water surface; they hatch into motile larvae that feed on aquatic algae and organic material . These larvae are important food sources for many freshwater animals, such as dragonfly nymphs , many fish, and some birds.
The mosquito larva has a well-developed head with mouth brushes used for feeding, a large thorax and a nine-segment abdomen. It has no legs. In contrast to other mosquitoes, the Anopheles larva lacks a respiratory siphon, so it positions itself so that its body is parallel to the surface of the water. In contrast, the feeding larva of culicine ...
Depending on the species, the adult Culex mosquito may measure from 4–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in). The adult morphology is typical of flies in the suborder Nematocera with the head, thorax, and abdomen clearly defined and the two forewings held horizontally over the abdomen when at rest.
The name "mosquitofish" was given because the fish eats mosquito larvae, and has been used more than any other fishes for the biological control of mosquitoes. [3] Gambusia typically eat zooplankton, beetles, mayflies, caddisflies, mites, and other invertebrates; mosquito larvae make up only a small portion of their diet. [4]
Larvae can be important in the soil ecosystem, because they process organic material and increase microbial activity. [11] Larvae and adults are also valuable prey items for many animals, including insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. [16] Adult crane flies may be used for transport by aquatic species of the mite family Ascidae.
Culex pipiens is a species of mosquito commonly referred to as the common house mosquito or northern house mosquito.Native to Africa, Asia and Europe, it is now widely distributed in temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica [1] and is one of the most common mosquitoes found in human habitats in temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. [2]
Releasing sterilized male insects to combat pests is a proven scientific technique, but using it to control invasive mosquitoes is relatively new. ... of mosquito larvae in the lab at the West ...
There are 112 genera of mosquitoes, containing approximately 3,500 species. [1]Human malaria is transmitted only by females of the genus Anopheles.Of the approximately 430 Anopheles species, while over 100 are known to be able to transmit malaria to humans, only 30–40 commonly do so in nature.