What is the development stage between the larva and adult called?

The development stage between the larva and adult in mosquito life cycles is known as the pupa. During this stage, the mosquito undergoes significant transformations, transitioning from the aquatic larval stage to the winged adult stage. The pupal stage is crucial because it involves the restructuring of the mosquito's body, preparing it for life in the air. Pupae are typically non-feeding and are often referred to as "tumblers" due to their characteristic movement in water.

The other stages listed, such as the larva and egg, represent different phases in the mosquito life cycle. The larval stage comes before the pupa and involves active feeding and growth, while the egg stage is the initial phase where the mosquito begins its life. The term "instar" refers to the various stages of growth within the larval phase, specifically the molts that a larva goes through before it reaches the pupal stage. Thus, the pupa is correctly identified as the development stage occurring between the larval and adult stages.