What does a mosquito larva look and develop?

The mosquito larva is the second stage of development of the insect after the egg. This is an important period in the life of a bloodsucker, because there is an accumulation of nutrients for adults. Despite their small size, they play an important role in nature.

The appearance of the larva and structure

Answering the question of what a mosquito larva looks like, one can describe a small worm, whose body length usually does not exceed 1 cm. But there are some differences that are clearly visible upon careful examination: their thoracic region is widened in relation to the jointed abdomen, and on a large head 2 eyes are located in black.

The color of the larvae depends on kind of mosquito. They are brown at a well-known piskun, and green at a malarial one.

At the end of the trunk of the larva there is a long process, obliquely located in relation to the abdomen. This is a breathing tube, at the end of which there are 2 tiny holes: through them, vital oxygen enters the body.

If you go to the pond where mosquito larvae live and sharply hold your hand over the surface of the water, they will abruptly rush off and rush inward to hide from potential danger. To do this, they are helped by the so-called swimming hairs. They are bundled and attached to the body of the worm. The largest of them is located on the tail segment, playing the role of a kind of motor and rudder, setting the pace of swimming and the direction of movement in the water.
The entire life of a mosquito in the larval development stage lasts an average of 3-4 weeks. Its exact duration depends not only on the species, but also on environmental conditions, primarily water temperature. During this time, intermediate molting occurs: the insect discards the body cover - the exoskeleton so that it can increase in size.

The mosquito larvae are characterized by intensive growth: when they only hatch from an egg, their length does not exceed only 1 mm and they are almost invisible to the naked eye. By the end of the stage, the body stretches to 1 cm. Body weight increases even faster: according to biologists, its difference from the original can be up to 500 times. When the development of the larva ends, it transforms into a pupa with a more complex structure.

How is her life going?

In all species of mosquitoes, which number about 3,500, the larvae live in water, where the female lays eggs. To give birth to offspring, she can choose:

• fresh water, most often calm and with stagnant water; small size and depth up to 1.5 m;
• gutters;
• long dry puddles;
• pits filled with water;
• barrels and tubs.

The structure of larvae of different species can differ significantly, and this determines the features of their behavior. But most, in view of the presence of a breathing tube on the tail, have a need to be in a position upside down at the water surface. So they put holes for oxygen. Only an imminent danger can force them to go deep into their native reservoir, however, after a maximum of 15 minutes, the worms will again hang at the surface. But there are mosquito larvae living at the bottom of reservoirs - for example, a mosquito-bell.

Interesting is the life of the larva malaria mosquito. She, unlike her brothers, does not have a breathing tube at the end of the abdomen, but there are holes located along the edge of the body.

The necessary conditions

Varieties of mosquitoes are very different from each other: some prefer the hot and humid climate of the tropics, while others feel good next to the Arctic Circle. Some for the development of their larvae choose ponds that are well warmed by the direct rays of the sun, while others look for shady ponds. In general, scientists call the acceptable temperature for development a range of 10–35 ° C, but the optimal range is from 25 to 30 ° C: under such conditions, growth is faster.

What danger lies in the larvae?

Observations showed that most of the larvae die, and only some of them manage to turn into a chrysalis. Poor weather conditions (such as low water temperatures or natural disasters) can cause death. But such losses are more than paid for by the high fecundity of these blood-sucking insects, so there is no reason to talk about a decrease in their population.

Often these small worms are eaten: mosquito larvae are the main food for other inhabitants of the reservoir: fish and amphibians. Before these enemies they are in no way protected.

Another threat lies in adverse environmental conditions. If the reservoir is contaminated with petroleum products, then a thin film forms on the surface of the water. It blocks the larvae from access to air, without which they die after 15 minutes, and also clogs the holes on the breathing tube.

Food

With what mosquito larvae feed themselves? Their diet includes microscopic organisms such as unicellular algae, as well as organic plant debris that decompose in water. To find the right food, the larva filters the water. On average, its volume in 24 hours is 1 liter, which is an impressive figure for such a small creature.

Bloodworm

The bloodworm - the name of the mosquito larva from the family Chironomidae (they are also called jerks and bells) and Tendipedidae - is perhaps the most significant in human life. These creatures are used as bait in fishing, with which you can get a rich catch, so they are actively sold in specialized stores. The larva of the mosquito bell is well known in the aquarium and among people who keep exotic reptiles at home: this is a suitable food for their pets.

Bloodworms are sold fresh and frozen. Individuals are sorted by size depending on the size of the fish for which the bait is intended.

These larvae prefer to dwell at the bottom of reservoirs densely overgrown with vegetation. They are benthic organisms - spending their lives in silt. It is there that they find their food. But, like all species, they need oxygen, so they periodically float to the surface.

Bloodworm is a larva of the mosquito Polypedilum vanderplanki with enviable survival. Scientists conducted an original experiment in collaboration with a space organization, when these creatures spent in open space (being outside the ISS) for more than a year. After returning, 80% of the larvae were alive. Therefore, bloodworms are rightly called the most complex organism known to science, which survives when dried.

Bloodworms are characterized by a red color, which they acquire due to the hemoglobin content. Their way of life is also curious: with the help of a substance secreted by the salivary glands, they glue a kind of tube-shaped house to themselves from silt. It serves as a shelter for them, so the larva protrudes from it only the front part, which the food finds.

The life and development of mosquito larvae is quite interesting. They benefit by performing the function of a living water filter and being fish food, which is actively used by humans. Also, the larvae play the role of an indicator of the cleanliness of water bodies: if it is polluted, then their population dies.