|  Mosquito pupae, commonly called "tumblers," live
in water from 1 to 4 days, depending upon species and temperature.
The pupa is lighter than water and therefore floats at the
surface. It takes oxygen through two breathing tubes called "trumpets." The
pupa does not eat, but it is not an inactive stage. When disturbed,
it dives in a jerking, tumbling motion toward protection and
then floats back to the surface.
The metamorphosis of the mosquito into an adult is completed
within the pupal case. The adult mosquito splits the pupal
case and emerges to the surface of the water where it rests
until
its body dries and hardens. |
