Hello! Sometimes in stagnant water you can come across strange “tadpoles” of light color, which seem to come from nowhere. Of course, nothing in the world comes out of nowhere.
The “tadpoles” of yellowish color are mosquito larvae that live in water for about a week before starting to transform into an adult. I am often asked whether they need to be disposed of and whether they can be dangerous in this form.
First of all, I always say that in the future these larvae will become those who are not averse to feasting on your blood. But the rest of the nuances associated with the larvae, I analyze in my material below.
The content of the article:
How the mosquito larva looks and develops
The mosquito larva is the second stage of development of the insect after the egg. This is an important period in the life of a bloodsucker, because there is an accumulation of nutrients for adults. Despite their small size, they play an important role in nature.
The appearance of the larva and structure
Answering the question of what a mosquito larva looks like, one can describe a small worm, whose body length usually does not exceed 1 cm.
But there are some differences that are clearly visible upon careful examination: their thoracic region is expanded in relation to the jointed abdomen, and on the large head are 2 black eyes. The color of the larvae depends on the type of mosquito. They are brown at a well-known piskun, and green at a malarial one.
At the end of the trunk of the larva there is a long process, obliquely located in relation to the abdomen. This is a breathing tube, at the end of which there are 2 tiny holes: through them, vital oxygen enters the body.
If you go to the pond where mosquito larvae live and sharply hold your hand over the surface of the water, they will abruptly rush off and rush inward to hide from potential danger.
To do this, they are helped by the so-called swimming hairs. They are bundled and attached to the body of the worm. The largest of them is located on the tail segment, playing the role of a kind of motor and rudder, setting the pace of swimming and the direction of movement in the water.
The entire life of a mosquito in the larval development stage lasts an average of 3-4 weeks. Its exact duration depends not only on the species, but also on environmental conditions, primarily water temperature.
During this time, intermediate molting occurs: the insect discards the body cover - the exoskeleton so that it can increase in size.
By the end of the stage, the body extends up to 1 cm.Body weight increases even faster: according to biologists, its difference from the original can be up to 500 times. When the development of the larva ends, it transforms into a pupa with a more complex structure.
How is her life going
In all species of mosquitoes, which number about 3,500, the larvae live in water, where the female lays eggs. To give birth to offspring, she can choose:
- fresh water, most often calm and with stagnant water; small size and depth up to 1.5 m;
- gutters;
- long dry puddles;
- pits filled with water;
- barrels and tubs.
The structure of larvae of different species can differ significantly, and this determines the features of their behavior. But most, in view of the presence of a breathing tube on the tail, have a need to be in a position upside down at the surface of the water.
The life of the larva of the malaria mosquito is also interesting. She, unlike her brothers, does not have a breathing tube at the end of the abdomen, but there are holes located along the edge of the body.
The necessary conditions
Varieties of mosquitoes are very different from each other: some prefer the hot and humid climate of the tropics, while others feel good next to the Arctic Circle.
Some for the development of their larvae choose ponds that are well warmed by the direct rays of the sun, while others look for shady ponds.
In general, scientists call the acceptable temperature for development a range of 10–35 ° C, but the optimal range is from 25 to 30 ° C: under such conditions, growth is faster.
What danger lies in the larvae
Observations showed that most of the larvae die, and only some of them manage to turn into a chrysalis. Poor weather conditions (such as low water temperatures or natural disasters) can cause death.
Often these small worms turn out to be eaten: mosquito larvae are the main food for other inhabitants of the reservoir: fish and amphibians. Before these enemies they are in no way protected.
Another threat lies in adverse environmental conditions. If the reservoir is contaminated with petroleum products, then a thin film forms on the surface of the water.
It blocks the larvae from access to air, without which they die after 15 minutes, and also clogs the holes on the breathing tube.
Food
What do mosquito larvae eat themselves? Their diet includes microscopic organisms such as unicellular algae, as well as organic plant debris that decompose in water.
To find the right food, the larva filters the water. On average, its volume in 24 hours is 1 liter, which is an impressive figure for such a small creature.
Mosquito larvae in a water barrel
In stagnant waters, as well as in barrels of water used for irrigation in garden areas, sometimes there are different "residents". Small, like carnations, insects are mosquito larvae.
From the larvae, adult individuals subsequently appear, which scatter throughout the district. Is it necessary to get rid of mosquitoes in a barrel of water?
If there is no goal to “feed” bloodsuckers with their own blood, measures should be taken to exterminate them. Mosquitoes are in the larval stage for a week. Just scooping them out of the water will not work: at the slightest danger, the larvae sink into the water.
Popular ways to get rid of future bloodsuckers
- Cover the barrel with a lid or foil. The simplest method used as prevention, i.e. preventing eggs from laying in the water.This method is not always suitable, especially in cases where the barrel is used to collect rainwater, the barrel is located in the greenhouse to increase humidity due to evaporation.
- Periodic emptying of the tank. Once every 5-7 days, completely drain the water from the tank. Larvae, falling from water to the soil, die. The method is not suitable for large containers, as well as for rainy days when there is no need for watering.
- Run the fish. The diet of some fish includes mosquito larvae. You can catch such “pets” in the nearest pond in the spring, and in the fall let the fish back into the pond. This method is suitable for barrels with a large capacity (100-200 l).
- Use of oily liquids. Mosquito larvae are located near the surface of the water in order to breathe air. Any oily liquid that can create an airtight film on the water surface can deprive them of oxygen. Suitable for use are engine oil, kerosene, gasoline.
Larvae Remedies
- Natural enemies. In nature, frogs, water spiders, swimming beetles and dragonflies feed on mosquitoes. If the larvae wound up in a decorative pond - provide nearby shelters for natural enemies.
- Chemicals Special chemicals are available for the fight against mosquito larvae in barrels and ponds, but water will become unsafe for humans and beneficial insects.
- Biological agents. Another modern way to prevent mosquito reproduction is to use bacteria. These microorganisms poison insect larvae, leading to their death.
- Helper plants. One of the most effective ways that does not imply financial costs and is absolutely environmentally friendly is the use of garden plants. By periodically adding parts of repellent plants to the water, mosquitoes can be deterred and new clutches of eggs can be prevented. Among these plants, elderberry, horseradish leaves, stems and leaves of garlic, tomato tops, wormwood.
The emergence of mosquito larvae filled with barrels, tanks and decorative ponds is a natural process, due to the mosquito's life cycle.
Having got rid of the future generation, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of bloodsuckers in your own area, however, insects cannot be completely destroyed: their flight range is up to 3 km.
How the mosquito larva looks and develops
The mosquito larva is the second stage in the life cycle of blood-sucking pests. Scientists who study insects note the importance of this stage, since during this period there is an accumulation of useful components and substances that are necessary for further development.
The duration of the individual in the larval stage for a long time. Although the insect resembles a worm, it eats and moves independently. This caused a special interest of people and scientists.
How is development
The period of maturation is accompanied by molting and an increase in size. The network presents pictures of the larva of a Piskun mosquito.
To see how the development of the larva of a blood-sucking mosquito occurs, it is not necessary to use literature or visit specialized sites.
You can find them in containers in which there is old water in the summer. Small worms center above. If you lower the stick or other object into the water, then they will go to a depth in order to hide.
These mosquito larvae and bloodworms have a certain supply of oxygen, so they can stay at the bottom for 10-15 minutes.
The transformation of bloodworm into a chrysalis of an ordinary mosquito occurs after a certain period of time. Pupae are similar to tadpoles, but their colors are different. They quickly move and sometimes bounce.
Development features
- The female lays eggs. Determining how much the female will lay eggs, it is necessary to take into account species features. For example, a piskun lays a lot of eggs, from which larvae are born.
- It takes 2-8 days to fully ripen an egg. It all depends on the conditions in which the insect lives.
- After 2-8 days, larvae appear that inhale oxygen through the corresponding tubes. During the period of growing up, 3-4 molt pass.
- After a certain period, a pupa appears, which develops within 4-5 days. The pupal hue changes from light to black.
- Another stage is the imago (adult). She gets to the ground.
Where do they live
The female mosquito carefully selects a place for subsequent egg laying. To determine where the blood-sucking mosquitoes lay their eggs, the habitat is studied. Particular attention is paid to such factors:
- Are nutritious ingredients available?
- Temperature of standing water in the tank.
- The degree of illumination.
In order for bloodworms to appear and develop, females choose reservoirs and ponds in which stagnant water. Microorganisms and shelters must be present in the fluid.
Although blood-sucking pests do not have special requirements for places of existence, they never live in water that is excessively polluted.
For masonry, places that are filled with oil products are not selected, since they adversely affect the speed of development.
Bloodworms and adult insects cannot breathe normally through the film present on the surface. The only exception is species that use dissolved oxygen.
By the way, almost all species hibernate at the larval stage in a tank or reservoir, in which the water does not freeze. Some varieties prefer a soil or aquatic environment.
What eat
Blood-sucking insects eat a variety of substances and components that can process. Most often, the larva eats microorganisms concentrated in water. Since the individual lives in stagnant water, there are no problems with nutrition.
Nourishing blood-sucking insects by plants located in the water, rotting particles. They enter the body during fluid transfer.
Some motels feed on the larvae of other mosquito species. Scientists have more accurate information than a young individual that goes through the molting stage eats.
Who are bloodworms
Cranes, which are called bells, chironomids or longlings, belong to a separate category. Another name is the squeak mosquito, which looks like a worm in the larval stage. Their squad is located near the bottom of the tank or a reservoir with stagnant water.
In order for oxygen to enter the body, blood-sucking insects use gill filaments. Part of the oxygen enters through the body of the pest.
These bloodworms have a deep red hue. That's because there is a huge amount of hemoglobin in the body. Since the body is saturated with iron, bloodworms also endure prolonged oxygen deficiency.
Larva of malaria mosquito
They have several characteristics. The main feature is the absence of a respiratory tube. To produce gas exchange, the malarial species attaches to the surface of the water.
Therefore, the angler sees malaria mosquitoes quite often. The size of bloodworms is affected by the temperature level and habitat.
Role in the biocenosis
Bloodworms occupy a significant place in the biocenosis. They feed on many reptiles, fish, as well as birds and other insects. Experienced aquarists are interested in this product.
This phenotype feeds on bloodworms of various types of bloodsucking. They eat different food if there are no larvae. This information is used by aquarists to adjust population sizes.
Blood-sucking insects in the house
Piskun and other species are born and develop in water. That's why mosquitoes do not like drought, and also poorly tolerate the lack of moisture. This feature can be used if it is necessary to remove bloodworms and adults from an apartment or house.
To poison mosquito larvae, you can use chemical insecticides and drugs, as well as folk remedies from which they die.
To purchase them you need to contact specialized stores. Since detailed instructions are attached to the preparations, there will be no problems with the withdrawal. It is enough for a person to study the features, as well as do everything correctly.
Why you need to destroy mosquito larvae
It is a well-known fact that unwanted neighbors such as mosquitoes can poison your summer evenings, these insects are carriers of a number of infectious diseases.
First of all, mosquitoes should be wary if your house is located near water bodies, where their reproduction usually occurs. But sometimes mosquitoes can settle directly in residential buildings and become a real curse.
Dangerous mosquito larvae
Back to contents Throwing all the forces to fight mosquitoes, many still do not achieve results, more and more vampires continue to attack them.
If the number of insects is significant, it is important to deal with all stages of their development, that is, in addition to adults, with eggs and larvae, otherwise new individuals will hatch all the time and get rid of them completely will not work. There are a lot of tools to fight mosquitoes, the main thing is to choose and use them correctly.
Features of reproduction of mosquitoes
Back to contents Mosquitoes choose swampy lowlands for breeding in nature. Females lay eggs in shallow water, after some time, larvae hatch, which continue to live near the surface of the water, stick to the surface film and collect nutrients with special bristles.
In large reservoirs in which fish are found, mosquitoes do not breed, since the fish completely eats larvae. Having accumulated a sufficient amount of nutrients, the larva turns into a chrysalis.
This form is not vulnerable, since it does not feed and does not move, it is very difficult to influence the pupal phase, therefore it is advisable not to allow the moment the larva turns into a pupa.
Female mosquitoes that emerged from the pupa set off almost immediately in search of fresh blood. A large number of adults appear simultaneously. The duration of the transformation of the larva into an adult takes about a month. Thus, 4-8 generations manage to grow safely during the season.
It is clear that the fight against such hordes is not an easy thing. If the cottage has a decorative pond or containers for long-term storage of water, they can serve as a habitat for the larvae.
If you know the characteristics of reproduction of mosquitoes and in accordance with this direct their efforts, the fight against them will be more effective.
The main methods of struggle
For the simultaneous mass destruction of mosquitoes, it is best to act on their larvae. So the fight against insects will give more effect.
Most often, special substances are used that are poured into the water and destroy the larvae. Another common method is the struggle with the use of oily substances, which form a film on the surface of the water and block the access of oxygen.
Grandfather's remedy - kerosene
Kerosene has been used for a long time to destroy mosquito larvae. It is believed that in this situation, the best would be kerosene of the lowest quality (i.e. heavy).
The principle of action, as already mentioned, is to stop the access of oxygen to growing larvae, as a result of which they die. The method is suitable for small ponds, grooves along the banks of ponds, puddles. How to process mosquito nests?
Average consumption - 50 grams per 2 square meters. A layer of kerosene lasts about 10 days, but even after the disappearance of the film, the persistent smell remains for a long time.
In order to keep the film on the water even longer, machine oil can be added to kerosene, which slows down evaporation.
The negative aspects of the use of kerosene can be attributed to a specific smell, if there is vegetation or other inhabitants in the reservoir, they will also be irreparably damaged. It is possible to use other oily substances by the same mechanism.
Chemicals
The chemical industry today offers a range of insecticides that can kill larvae in water. Such products can only be used in water bodies, the water of which is not used for drinking and is in no way connected with drinking sources.
Typically, such preparations are sold in powder form and diluted to a certain concentration. They are applied to the surface of the water using a spray gun for even distribution; solution can be poured into small tanks.
Raw basements, places under stones, crevices of the foundation and other habitats of mosquitoes are also treated with insecticides.
With this kind of remedy, it is important to be very careful to observe the dosage and precautions indicated on the package.
Biological control methods
In natural conditions, mosquitoes have many enemies: fish, waterfowl, dragonflies, frogs. If frogs eat adults, then the fish feeds on larvae.
Therefore, if mosquitoes are wound up in your home pond, try to get at least a small amount of fish in it, make sure that frogs remain in the pond. Also make sure that the water in your pond does not stagnate, this will also prevent the reproduction of mosquitoes.
Developed drugs containing bacteria that can neutralize mosquito larvae without harming other inhabitants of the reservoir. Basically, these are imported products.
The principle of action is as follows: bacterial spores that are in a sealed package in an inactive state, getting into a humid environment, are activated.
This drug does not affect adult insects, so you need to use it only in combination with other means of destruction.
Drainage of a summer cottage
It is believed that the drainage of swamps is an extremely negative phenomenon. Nevertheless, the ecological situation is unlikely to change significantly from your small site, and the wetland will cause you great discomfort and will not bring any benefit.
A properly arranged drainage system will help you get rid of the dampness problem in your area for a long time. Depending on the cause of waterlogging, two types of drainage systems are distinguished:
- surface (for the removal of sediment accumulating on the surface);
- deep (with a high occurrence of groundwater).
Get rid of the damp in the basement
As already indicated, mosquitoes can breed in constantly damp cellars of houses. If you do not kill the larvae in time, do not get rid of the future brood, you will soon be attacked by a large army of bloodsuckers.
Often they enter the room directly from the basement through vents. First of all, it is necessary to remove all kinds of rotting products, all stale garbage.
The reasons for dampness in the basement can be many:
- nearby groundwater and poor drainage system;
- malfunctioning sewage system;
- foundation leakage;
- poor thermal insulation.
If the drainage system is initially poorly arranged in your house, it is unlikely to get rid of damp, other reasons can be eliminated.
If there is a visible reason (sewage is flowing), eliminate it. To drain the floor, use one of the following options:
- cover the basement floor with plastic film in two layers, cover it with a clay layer of about 5 cm, carefully compact the clay;
- fill the floor with 10 cm layer of gravel or sand;
- put the boards on the concrete floor, and put sheets of roofing material on it (you get a double floor).
Both before and after the proposed measures, it is desirable to treat the basement with insecticides designed to kill insect larvae.
What is the name and what the mosquito larva eats
Mosquito "offspring" are known to virtually all aquarium owners who care about their fish and buy food for them.
After several days, the mosquito larva emerges from the eggs that the female lays. Many are interested in its appearance, distinguishing features of behavior, nutrition and other features.
Description and classification
The mosquito larva is called a bloodworm. Their color may vary depending on the species. In particular:
- The squeak mosquito has brown or black larvae.
- A malaria mosquito usually has green-colored babies.
- Red color is characteristic of the calf.
Such creatures originate from mosquito eggs, which are laid directly in the water. Most often this occurs in bodies of water, large puddles or pits with rainwater.
They have 2 eyes, and on the ring of the body there is a special tube, through which the process of their breathing is carried out.
In addition, bristles are placed throughout the body of the individual, thanks to which it can move in water, they are called swimming hairs.
Although water is their natural habitat for them, they can dive for a short time, at a depth they can spend no more than 15 minutes, then the available air supply runs out.
Diet
The mosquito is in the larval stage within 4 weeks, the duration is associated with weather conditions. During this period, the creature repeatedly molts and significantly increases in size.
The temperature required for the development of larvae varies between 10 and 35 degrees, the optimal indicator is considered to be between 25 and 30 degrees.
In parallel with the length, the creature’s weight also increases, in accordance with the available data for the month it becomes more than 500 times.
The mosquito larva feeds mainly on microorganisms that are in the pond, that is, the most primitive algae and decaying substances of organic origin.
To ensure nutrition, this creature performs 1 liter of water volume throughout the day. A further stage of development is the formation of a chrysalis, which is already a more complex natural creation.
Opponents of Larvae
Mosquitoes lay off a lot of future offspring, as the larvae often die. Most often this happens due to the following reasons:
- bad weather conditions, unstable air temperature;
- absorption by their inhabitants of reservoirs, amphibians and fish, for which they act as the main source of nutrition;
- adverse environmental situation, for example, due to contaminated water or the presence of an oil film, which deprives them of the ability to fully breathe.
However, the extinction of these creatures is quickly compensated, because mosquito females are extremely fertile, and people do not have to hope for a decrease in the number of this population.
Variety of species
There are a number of varieties of such creatures, differing in appearance, body structure, and behavior. You can mention:
- Malaria mosquitoes. They have a large head, large breasts, and the abdomen consists of several components. But, unlike other mosquito variants, they do not have a breathing tube, and there are special spiracles located in one of the segments present on the sides. They live on the surface of the water, always try to stay parallel to it. For nutrition, they catch the smallest organisms with brushes and send them into their own mouth.
- Mosquito-jerking, also called bells. This species is considered the most common, it is used by fishermen as a profit, and owners of the aquarium feed their pets with such creatures. Bloodworms, as the larvae of the bells are called, are sold in the respective stores in fresh or frozen form, constantly in considerable demand. The bells have a bright red color, the size of their larvae can reach 3 centimeters. They live at the bottom of ponds, where they find food, but periodically tend to float to the surface for breathing. As food, they absorb plant residues. Immediately after hatching, the larvae are gray, but soon turn red due to the high level of hemoglobin. They also possess salivary glands, with the help of which they create for themselves a reliable house from nearby garbage, and it is he who further protects them from enemies.
- Burning mosquitoes living near the forest. They have special tufts of hair located at the base of the body.
- Long-legged larvae, whose larvae usually appear in the wetland. Their development proceeds in a swamp environment, and outwardly they resemble ordinary worms of a gray-brown hue. The head of the centipedes is large, and a star-shaped mouth is present at the end of the body.
- Pedicium. This species is characterized by so-called false legs, with the help of which they move along the bottom of the reservoir. There can be up to 10 similar legs. These creatures can survive in extremely polluted water due to the presence of gill appendages.
- Kusak, which is one of the most numerous species of mosquito population. Initially, this species lived only in the African region, but now they can often be found in any country, in addition, they act as carriers of dangerous diseases - such as dengue or yellow fever.
Benefit and harm
The development of mosquito larva is not only of considerable interest to researchers in this area, but these creatures also perform filtering of water in fresh water bodies.
The only real pests can be considered larvae of centipedes, whose addictions in food cause unambiguous damage to crops of crops, these creatures nibble seedlings and roots.
In general, mosquito larvae are a worthy object to study, and their usefulness in nature for many reasons is also not in doubt.
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