Behind a sclerotized head are 3 enlarged thoracic segments (may appear as one segment) followed by 9 (including anal) narrower, abdominal
segments; a sclerotized tube on the last abdominal segment is used for breathing at the water surface. Larva moving between water surface and
depth with a jerky, wriggling motion (wrigglers) ~ Family Culicidae
Behind sclerotized head all segments more or less the same size; sclerotized breathing tube not present. Larvae mosquito-like, but bent into a U-shape ~ Families Dixidae and Chironomidae
Sclerotized breathing tube at least as long as length of abdominal
segments VI, VII, and VIII, and bearing several groups of bristles;
sclerotization complete around anal segment (IX); a fan of yellow
bristles present below anal appendages, and a patch of short, yellow
spines on the lateral surface of segment VIII
Culex quinquefasciatus
136b
Breathing tube shorter, no longer than segments VII and VIII combined;
sclerotization of anal segment incomplete along ventral surface terminal
bristles on anal segment not forming a fan; one or two rows of dark
spines on sides of segment VIII
(20) Breathing tube as long as segments VII and VIII, or nearly so;
a comb (single row) of dark, broad-based, posteriorly-directed spines
on lateral surface of abdominal segment VIII
Aedes albopictus
1376b
Breathing tube short and stout, about as long as segment VIII; two
rows of spines present on the lateral surface of VIII
Aedes aegypti
Also: Aedes nocturnus and Wyeomyia mitchelli
Also: 3 spp. of Toxorhynchites
