What is a mosquito pupa also called?

What is a mosquito pupa also called?

• A. Tumbler
• B. Chrysalis
• C. Nymph
• D. Pupa stage

Answer: (A)

Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis, and the pupa is the transitional aquatic stage before the adult. This stage is commonly called a tumbler because, when disturbed, the pupa flips and tumbles at the water surface rather than feeding like larvae. That distinctive motion gives it the name. Chrysalis refers to butterfly pupae, and a nymph is from insects with incomplete metamorphosis, which doesn’t apply to mosquitoes. Calling it the “pupa stage” is technically accurate but not the familiar common name used in field observations. So tumbler is the best answer.

Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis, and the pupa is the transitional aquatic stage before the adult. This stage is commonly called a tumbler because, when disturbed, the pupa flips and tumbles at the water surface rather than feeding like larvae. That distinctive motion gives it the name. Chrysalis refers to butterfly pupae, and a nymph is from insects with incomplete metamorphosis, which doesn’t apply to mosquitoes. Calling it the “pupa stage” is technically accurate but not the familiar common name used in field observations. So tumbler is the best answer.