Page 54 - The Miracle in the Mosquito

THE MIRACLE IN THE MOSQUITO

A BIG CHANGE: THE PUPAL STAGE
In the majority of mosquitoes the larval phase lasts up to one
week. The duration of this phase mainly depends on temperature,
although feeding is also an indirect factor.
The larva grows constantly, and in a short time its skin starts
to restrict its growth. This means the time has come for the first
skin to be shed.

The transformation begins
The fast-growing larva feels the need for a sharp tool to cut
open its tough skin. At this stage it is impossible for the pupa to
enlist any kind of assistance. It has to solve this problem by itself.
Up until now, the larva has easily been able to find every-
thing it requires at each stage of its development. God, Who does
everything to perfection, has created the larva together with all the
organs it needs for specific purposes.
At the back of the larva’s head there is an organ used for
breaking the tough skin. This organ is discarded from the body as
soon as the skin is shed. If this organ failed to develop, or was late
in developing, the larva would be unable to cast off the skin and
would suffocate to death.
The new skin, which is soft and flexible, allows the larva to
continue to grow. The mosquito larva will shed three more skins
by the time it completes its growth. It develops by shedding its
skin 4 times in all and finally becomes 10 mm (0.4 inch) in length.
The mosquito grubs have now entered the final phase before
becoming fully-fledged mosquitoes, the “pupal” phase. This is a
very short phase consisting of only a few days at the most, during
which time the pupa does not feed. The head of the mosquito,
which is fused with the thoracic section that will later carry the legs
and feet of the mosquito, is large and round. At this stage, the mos-
quito is like a brand new creature, and its needs have also changed.

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