Editing Anopheles (section)

=== Larvae ===

The mosquito larva has a well-developed head with mouth brushes used for feeding, a large [[Thorax (insect anatomy)|thorax]] and a nine-segment [[abdomen]]. It has no legs. In contrast to other mosquitoes, the ''Anopheles'' larva lacks a respiratory siphon, so it positions itself so that its body is parallel to the surface of the water. In contrast, the feeding larva of culicine mosquitoes attach themselves to the water surface with the posterior siphon, the body pointing downwards. Larvae breathe through [[Spiracle (arthropods)|spiracle]]s located on the eighth abdominal segment and so must come to the surface frequently. The larvae spend most of their time feeding on [[algae]], [[bacteria]], and other microorganisms in the thin surface layer. They dive below the surface only when disturbed. Larvae swim either by jerky movements of the entire body or through [[Marine propulsion|propulsion]] with the mouth brushes.<ref name="cdc"/>

Larvae develop through four stages, or [[instar]]s, after which they [[metamorphosis|metamorphose]] into [[pupae]]. At the end of each instar, the larvae molt, shedding their exoskeletons, or skin, to allow for further growth. The larvae occur in a wide range of habitats, but most species prefer clean, unpolluted water. Larvae of ''Anopheles'' have been found in freshwater or saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, rice fields, grassy ditches, the edges of streams and rivers, and small, temporary rain pools. Many species prefer habitats with vegetation. Others prefer habitats with none. Some breed in open, sun-lit pools, while others are found only in shaded breeding sites in forests. A few species breed in tree holes or the [[leaf axil]]s of some plants.<ref name="cdc"/>

<gallery class=center mode=nolines widths=150 heights=225>
File:AnophelesLarvaPhoto CDCHarryWeinburgh publicdomain.jpg|''Anopheles'' larva
File:Anopheles Culex larvae feeding position-USDA.jpg|Feeding position of an ''Anopheles'' larva (A), culicine larva with its siphon (B)
</gallery>