Which life stage of mosquitoes requires water for survival?

The life stage of mosquitoes that requires water for survival includes the egg, larva, and pupa stages. Mosquitoes have a complex life cycle that begins with the laying of eggs, which are typically placed in or near standing water. The eggs hatch into larvae, which live in the water and continue to feed and grow. The larva eventually metamorphoses into the pupa stage, which also requires an aquatic environment.

This dependency on water is crucial because all these earlier life stages are adapted to a semi-aquatic life. For instance, the larvae are commonly known as "wrigglers" and feed on organic material in the water, while the pupae, referred to as "tumblers," are non-feeding and must also remain submerged until they transform into adults.

In contrast, adult mosquitoes do not require water for survival. They can be found in various terrestrial environments and primarily seek out water sources for breeding purposes, not for their own survival. This differentiation highlights the unique requirements of each stage in the mosquito life cycle regarding water.