What are the four stages of mosquito development?

The correct answer identifies the four distinct stages of mosquito development, which are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This life cycle is typical of many insects, including mosquitoes, and emphasizes the transformation that occurs from one stage to the next.

1. Egg Stage: The mosquito begins life as an egg, usually laid in or near water, which is essential for its subsequent development.

2. Larval Stage: After hatching from the egg, the mosquito enters the larval stage, where it typically lives in water. During this time, the larva actively feeds and grows, undergoing several molts to become larger.

3. Pupal Stage: Following the larval stage, the mosquito develops into a pupa. This stage is often referred to as a resting stage, where the mosquito does not feed and undergoes significant transformation internally in preparation for emerging as an adult.

4. Adult Stage: Finally, the mosquito emerges from the pupal stage as an adult, ready to reproduce and continue the life cycle.

Understanding these stages is crucial for effective mosquito control strategies, as different stages may require different approaches for management. Recognizing that nymph is not a stage in the mosquito life cycle