Question

In the life cycle of mosquito, comma-shaped stage is
A. Larval stage
B. Pupal stage
C. Imago stage
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The life cycle of mosquitoes has four stages which are egg, larval stage, a pupal stage, and adult or imago stage in chronological order.

Complete answer:
Option A: Once the egg latches, the worm-like larvae come out of it. The larvae are called wigglers and are highly active. They cannot survive outside the water. The larvae undergo several molts. They have a head, thorax, and abdomen. They have a tube-like structure called a siphon, which they expose to the water surface to get air for breathing. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: After several molts, the fourth instar larvae of the mosquito enter the pupal stage. The pupa of a mosquito is comma-shaped. Therefore this is the correct answer.
Mosquito pupae are also known as tumblers. They are not an inactive stage, but they do not feed. The pupe stage lasts for an average of 1-4 days. The pupa has two tubular structures called trumpets which help them to breathe. Trumpet also stabilizes the pupae inside the water.

Option C: Imago stage is the last stage of insect metamorphosis. At this stage the insects completely mature. This is also referred to as the adult stage. The mosquito will have fully developed wings at this stage and also attain sexual maturation. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: The pupal stage of the mosquito is comma-shaped. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: The mosquito life cycle is around 5-14 days. The first three stages are in water and the adult emerges onto the surface and flies away.
The time span of the life cycle depends on the temperature of water, food, and type of mosquito.