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Larvae: 
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The larvae of
all mosquitoes live in still, non-flowing water. Some species live in
permanent swamps and marshes, some in water contained in tree holes or other
containers (tires, catch basins, etc.), and some develop in areas that are
only wet for a period of time (such as vernal pools). Mosquitoes have adapted
to live in many types of water, fresh water, salt water, and even water as
polluted as septic discharge. Mosquito larvae feed on bacteria and debris
found in the water, but is dependent on still water to be able to use the
surface tension on the top to attach their siphon tube and breath air.
Because of this limitation, larvae are not found in moving streams and river,
open lakes and seas. One notable exception to this rule is the larvae of Coquillettidia
perturbans, which is able to attach itself to the roots and tubers of
under water plants (typically cattails). They breathe air through the plants
roots itself. Floodplains alongside many rivers provide an ideal site for
breeding once the floodwaters subside. The larvae go through four different
stages, called instars. At the end of each instar the larvae molts, or
sheds it's skin. The fourth instar is the mature larvae, and the next stage
is the pupae. This process requires a minimum of 4-10 days (in the summer) to
as long as several months (in the spring). Most larvae have similar
characteristic positions and movements, with the exception of the Anophelene
larvae.
The three body
segments, head, thorax and abdomen are distinct. No other Diptera
larvae share this characteristic.
Most species of
mosquito larvae eat minute organisms found in water, bacteria and other
debris.
These organisms
flourish in water polluted with garbage, and organic waste from humans and
animals. Polluted water such as this will produce an amazing number of larvae
compared to a similar amount of clean water. A few species such as Psorophora
ciliata are predaceous, and will feed on aquatic insects, including other
mosquito larvae. The rate of development depends mainly on the availability
of food and the temperature of the water. In the spring, larvae of Culex
pipiens may require 15 days to mature, but in the summer may only need 5
days. Larvae that overwinter, such as Cq. perturbans and C.
melanura, may need several months to complete their life cycle.
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