What is a key feature of the mosquito pupa?

What is a key feature of the mosquito pupa?

• A. Feeding actively
• B. Non feeding, breathing trumpets
• C. Fully aquatic and mobile
• D. Enclosed in a protective case

Answer: (B)

In the mosquito pupa, feeding has stopped and the insect is in a transitional stage where metamorphosis happens. The pupa stays in the water but does not feed; it relies on specialized air tubes called breathing trumpets that extend to the surface to take in air. This breathing adaptation at the water surface is what makes the pupa distinct from the larva, which actively feeds in the water. Pupae are not enclosed in a protective case; they are free-swimming in the aquatic environment. So the key feature is non-feeding respiration through breathing trumpets at the surface.

In the mosquito pupa, feeding has stopped and the insect is in a transitional stage where metamorphosis happens. The pupa stays in the water but does not feed; it relies on specialized air tubes called breathing trumpets that extend to the surface to take in air. This breathing adaptation at the water surface is what makes the pupa distinct from the larva, which actively feeds in the water. Pupae are not enclosed in a protective case; they are free-swimming in the aquatic environment. So the key feature is non-feeding respiration through breathing trumpets at the surface.