Mosquito larva (Wiggler)

Stagnant or slow-moving freshwater, including ponds, puddles, wetlands, ditches, and artificial containers holding water.

Mosquito larvae are filter feeders, consuming algae, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms present in the water.

Larvae typically hang suspended upside down at the water's surface to breathe through a breathing tube (siphon). They swim with a characteristic S-shaped motion or wriggling, which gives them the common name 'wigglers'. They go through four larval instars before pupating.

Potential risks include serving as vectors for various diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. Benefits include being a food source for aquatic predators and contributing to nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Control of mosquito larvae is a key strategy in mosquito-borne disease prevention.