Mosquito Larvae and Pupae

If you've ever looked closely at pond water, chances are you've seen mosquito larvae. The larvae are the "wigglers" found in puddles or water-filled containers. The larvae breathe atmospheric oxygen through a siphon at the tail end. The pupae are nearly as active as the larvae, but breathe through thoracic "horns" attached to the thoracic spiracles. Most larvae feed on microorganisms, but a few are predatory on other mosquito larvae. *As a preventative measure to stop the spread of mosquitoes, a light film of oil can be spread over water's surface in order to close off the wriggler's access to air, killing the larvae.