How many growth stages do mosquito larvae have?

Mosquito larvae undergo four distinct growth stages, which are referred to as instars. Each instar represents a different developmental phase, during which the larvae grow and prepare for their transformation into pupae and eventually adult mosquitoes. The four stages are characterized by the shedding of the exoskeleton as the larvae increase in size and complexity.

Understanding these growth stages is crucial for effective mosquito control, as each stage may require different management strategies. By recognizing the four instars, pest controllers can better time their interventions to target the most vulnerable larvae, thereby reducing the mosquito population more effectively.