Page 55 - The Miracle in the Mosquito
P. 55

Phases of Development




























                    Pupa

                            Larvae





               At the end of the larval stage an entirely new underwater phase begins for the
               mosquito. This stage, known as the pupa, is the final stage before the creature
               becomes an adult mosquito.

                    New body, new needs, new solutions...
                    In the transition phase from larva to pupa the respiratory
               tubes close over. This means that the larva is left unable to breathe.
               However, a surprising development occurs and two new wind-
               pipes appear on the front of the pupa. Once more the mosquito

               manages to stay alive due to a development programme specifi-
               cally designed for it. The larva starts breathing by elevating these
               two new windpipes to the surface of the water.
                    The pupae stay close to the water surface in order to breathe.
               Although they move very fast, they have no nutritional needs. The
               pupal phase comes to an end in 3-4 days.





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