How many instars are there in mosquito larvae?

Mosquito larvae go through a series of developmental stages known as instars, which are periods between molts. Typically, mosquito larvae undergo four instars prior to transitioning into the pupal stage. During each instar, the larvae grow larger and develop further, shedding their exoskeleton in the process. This four-instar system is characteristic of most mosquito species and is crucial for their development.

The importance of understanding the number of instars is significant for mosquito control, as each instar has a different vulnerability to control measures such as larvicides. Knowing that there are four instars helps applicators identify the optimal timing and methods for effective control during the larval stage.