Question:medium
Identify the mosquito without a siphon tube and which rests parallel to the surface of water.
Identify the mosquito without a siphon tube and which rests parallel to the surface of water.
Show Hint
Anopheles larva has no siphon and lies parallel to water surface.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
- Anopheles
- Culex
- Aedes
- Mansonia
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question identifies the genus of a mosquito based on the physiological and behavioral traits of its larval stage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Larval stage comparison:
Anopheles Larva: It has no respiratory siphon tube. To breathe, it uses spiracles on the 8th abdominal segment and must lie parallel (horizontal) to the water surface.
Culex Larva: It has a distinct, long siphon tube and hangs at an angle (head downwards) from the surface of the water.
Aedes Larva: It has a short, stout siphon and also hangs at an angle.
Mansonia Larva: Its siphon is modified to pierce the submerged roots of aquatic plants (e.g., Pistia) to obtain air.
Adult resting behavior (for contrast):
Anopheles adults: Rest at a sharp angle (pointed) to the surface.
Culex adults: Rest parallel to the surface they are sitting on.
Conclusion: The description provided (larva with no siphon resting parallel to water) is the textbook definition for the Anopheles genus.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Anopheles is the correct mosquito genus based on the specific larval characteristics mentioned in the question.
This question identifies the genus of a mosquito based on the physiological and behavioral traits of its larval stage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Larval stage comparison:
Anopheles Larva: It has no respiratory siphon tube. To breathe, it uses spiracles on the 8th abdominal segment and must lie parallel (horizontal) to the water surface.
Culex Larva: It has a distinct, long siphon tube and hangs at an angle (head downwards) from the surface of the water.
Aedes Larva: It has a short, stout siphon and also hangs at an angle.
Mansonia Larva: Its siphon is modified to pierce the submerged roots of aquatic plants (e.g., Pistia) to obtain air.
Adult resting behavior (for contrast):
Anopheles adults: Rest at a sharp angle (pointed) to the surface.
Culex adults: Rest parallel to the surface they are sitting on.
Conclusion: The description provided (larva with no siphon resting parallel to water) is the textbook definition for the Anopheles genus.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Anopheles is the correct mosquito genus based on the specific larval characteristics mentioned in the question.
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