Where are Cx. pipiens commonly found?

Where are Cx. pipiens commonly found?

• A. Widespread in polluted water
• B. Only in clean water
• C. In fast-flowing streams only
• D. In saltwater marshes

Answer: (A)

Cx. pipiens, the common house mosquito, is most often found in stagnant, nutrient-rich water where organic matter is abundant. This environment hosts the microorganisms larvae feed on and tolerates low oxygen levels, so polluted ponds, clogged drains, ditches, and sewage-contaminated water are typical breeding sites. That’s why “widespread in polluted water” is the best fit. In contrast, clean water lacks the abundant detritus larvae rely on; fast-flowing streams don’t provide the still habitat they need; and saltwater marshes aren’t their usual habitat, since pipiens prefers freshwater or brackish, polluted, still waters rather than salt-dominated systems.

Cx. pipiens, the common house mosquito, is most often found in stagnant, nutrient-rich water where organic matter is abundant. This environment hosts the microorganisms larvae feed on and tolerates low oxygen levels, so polluted ponds, clogged drains, ditches, and sewage-contaminated water are typical breeding sites. That’s why “widespread in polluted water” is the best fit. In contrast, clean water lacks the abundant detritus larvae rely on; fast-flowing streams don’t provide the still habitat they need; and saltwater marshes aren’t their usual habitat, since pipiens prefers freshwater or brackish, polluted, still waters rather than salt-dominated systems.