What morphological feature is used to identify mosquito larvae?

What morphological feature is used to identify mosquito larvae?

• A. Structure and number of hairs
• B. Eye color
• C. Leg length
• D. Wings color

Answer: (A)

Identifying mosquito larvae relies on small, consistent surface features that remain clear through the larval stage. The structure and number of hairs (setae) on the larva are distinctive and vary between species, making them the most reliable characters for identification. These hair patterns appear on various parts of the larva, such as the head and siphon, and they form the basis of larval identification keys used in surveillance work. Other features listed—eye color, leg length, and wings color—are not applicable to larvae or not diagnostic for species, since eye color isn’t used at this stage, leg length isn’t a reliable differentiator among larvae, and wings are features of adults, not larvae.

Identifying mosquito larvae relies on small, consistent surface features that remain clear through the larval stage. The structure and number of hairs (setae) on the larva are distinctive and vary between species, making them the most reliable characters for identification. These hair patterns appear on various parts of the larva, such as the head and siphon, and they form the basis of larval identification keys used in surveillance work. Other features listed—eye color, leg length, and wings color—are not applicable to larvae or not diagnostic for species, since eye color isn’t used at this stage, leg length isn’t a reliable differentiator among larvae, and wings are features of adults, not larvae.