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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