Juvenile hormone analogs have what effect on larval mosquitoes?

Juvenile hormone analogs are compounds that mimic the activity of natural juvenile hormones found in insects. Their primary role in larval mosquitoes is to maintain the larval stage and prevent them from metamorphosing into adults. When juvenile hormone levels are high, or when analogs are applied, they signal to the mosquito larvae to continue developing as larvae rather than transitioning to the pupal stage and eventually becoming adults.

This process is significant because it disrupts their normal development, which ultimately helps in controlling mosquito populations. By keeping larval mosquitoes from developing into adults, these analogs effectively reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that can emerge and contribute to breeding and the transmission of diseases. This is particularly useful in integrated pest management strategies aimed at reducing mosquito populations in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.

Other options, while they touch on aspects of mosquito control, do not accurately represent the specific action of juvenile hormone analogs. For instance, killing mosquitoes in their immature stage or enhancing the reproductive capabilities of adults does not align with the function of these hormones. Juvenile hormone analogs are designed to alter developmental trajectories rather than directly causing mortality or promoting reproduction.