Do mosquito larvae prefer deep or shallow water?

Do mosquito larvae prefer deep or shallow water?

• A. Deep
• B. Shallow
• C. Neither
• D. Both

Answer: (B)

Mosquito larvae live in water but stay near the surface because they must breathe air through a siphon or specialized spiracles at the air–water interface. Shallow, still water is ideal because it’s easy for the larva to reach the surface to breathe and the sunlight supports abundant microscopic life that serves as food. In deeper water, reaching the surface requires more energy, and there are often more predators and less readily available food near the surface, making shallow water the more favorable habitat.

Mosquito larvae live in water but stay near the surface because they must breathe air through a siphon or specialized spiracles at the air–water interface. Shallow, still water is ideal because it’s easy for the larva to reach the surface to breathe and the sunlight supports abundant microscopic life that serves as food. In deeper water, reaching the surface requires more energy, and there are often more predators and less readily available food near the surface, making shallow water the more favorable habitat.