Larval photographs 2

	A fourth instar Aedes [Ochlerotatus] alboannulatus larvae. This is a commonly collected mosquito, particularly early and late in the mosquito season. The larvae breed in bushland ground pools and creekline rockpools, and can be a pest in these areas.
	The back end of the same Aedes alboannulatus larvae. This mosquito larvae is eady to pupate as indicated by the obvious pupal trumpets seen on the thorax near the head. Click here to see an image of the adult.
	A fourth instar Aedes [Ochlerotatus] alternans. The larvae of this species is predacious on other mosquito larvae. The adults are commonly known as Hexham Greys or Scotch Greys. For more information, go to the Aedes alternans Fact Sheet. Click here to see an image of the adult.
	This is a closeup of the head of a fourth instar Aedes alternans. In predaceous mosquitoes, the mouth brushes are modified into a solid structure (seen lying along the bottom left of the head), which quickly swings around to grasp other larvae. See also Culex halifaxii & Toxorhynchites speciosus below.
	This series of images is of an Aedes alternans larvae feeding on an Aedes vigilax larvae. It takes only around 1 minute for a larvae to be fully consumed.
	A close up of the siphon of Aedes alternans.
	This is a photograph of the Aedes alternans siphon in the previous image, but taken from above. At the top of the siphon are several valves, which permit air flow into the respiratory system, by opening up when the water surface is broken.
	Once the adult has emerged, the pupal skin (exuviae) is left behind. This skin is of an Aedes alternans.
	No, this is not leftoevers from a meal of lobster, it is the same pupal skin of Aedes alternans as seen in the previous image but viewed from above. The opening from which the adult has emerged is on the right.
	A fourth instar Aedes (Ochlerotatus) multiplex. This is a freshwater mosquito, which breeds in ground pools and is generally not a serious pest.
	A rear view of the same Aedes (Ochlerotatus) multiplex mosquito larvae. Clear here for an image of the adult.
	Aedes [Ochlerotatus] notoscriptus is a common domestic breeding mosquito and major vector of Dog Heartworm. Recently, it has been shown to be a very good laboratory vector of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus. For more information, go to the Aedes notoscriptus Fact Sheet.
	Another image of Aedes notoscriptus larvae. Click here to see images of the adult.
	A pupa of Aedes notoscriptus.
	The saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes [Ochlerotatus] vigilax. Aedes vigilax is the major vector of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus along coastal New South Wales as well as a serious nuisance biter. For more information, go to the Aedes vigilax Fact Sheet. Click here to see images of the adult.
	Another photograph of Aedes vigilax. The gold spiral tubes along the length of its body are the breathing tubes known as trachea. Both this larvae and the above are all fourth instars. See the Mosquito Fact sheet for a description of the lifecycle.
	A fourth instar Anopheles annulipes larvae. This is the most common anopheline species in south east Australia. For more information, consult the Anopheles annulipes Fact Sheet.
	Anopheles annulipes larvae and pupa. Note that Anopheles larvae have a very short siphon and lie parallel to the water surface. Click here to see images of the adult.
	A close up of the head of Anopheles annulipes. In the normal position, the head of the larvae faces down.
	Anopheles annulipes larvae have the amazing capability of rotating their head through 180 degrees. This allows them to be able to feed from the surface of the water.
	A pupa of Anopheles annulipes. The trumpets in Anopheles are shorter and broader then both Culex and Aedes. The developing adult eye can be clearly seen through the pupal skin.
	Larval Culex annulirostris. This species is the major vector of arboviruses in inland regions of Australia. For more information, visit the Culex annulirostris Fact Sheet. Click here to see images of the adult.
	Another image of Culex annulirostris showing the characteristic white antenna. This image, and the previous, are both of 4th instar larvae.
	A fourth instar (left) and a 3rd instar (right) larvae of Culex annulirostris. This species possesses two characterisitic spots on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, which can be easily seen in the larvae on the right.
	Pupa of Culex annulirostris. The developing adult can be readily identified as a male through the pupal skin, by the appearance of the long antennae.
	Culex annulirostris larvae with a colony of Vorticella. Vorticella is a commensal organism, which is shaped like a bell on a long stalk. Many thousands can occur on the skin of the larvae and they are generally not affected by the presence of this organism.
	Culex australicus 4th instar larvae. This is a common freshwater breeding mosquito that breeds in the same habitat as Culex annulirostris, although the population peaks do not overlap. For more information visit the Culex australicus Fact Sheet.
	A 3rd instar Culex bitaeniorhynchus. This large Culex species is uncommonly collected in NSW and despite Murray Valley Encephalitis having been isolated from this species elsewhere in Australia, it is probably not an important vector in south eastern Australia. Click here to see the adult mosquito.
	Culex gelidus 4th instar larvae. This is an exotic mosquito species recently introduced into Australia and occurs mainly in the northern regions. It is a secondary vector of Japanese Encephalitis. Click here to see images of the adult.
	Another Culex gelidus larvae, this time viewed from the front. Note the setae and the developing pupal trumpets in the thorax.
	A Culex gelidus larvae viewed from the back, note the splayed setae above the anal papillae.
	Culex sitiens larvae. This species can be a series pest in some coastal areas of northern NSW, as well as QLD and NT. Typically breeds in brackish pools formed by high tides and rainfall. Click here to see a, image of the adult.
	Like Culex annulirostris above, larval Culex sitiens have distinct white antennae, although unlike Culex annulirostris, is not considered to be an important vector.
	A fourth instar Culex halifaxii. This is a large species in which the larval stage is predacious on other mosquito larvae. Click here to see the adult.
	A closeup of the head of a fourth instar Culex halifaxii, showing the modifed mouth brushes.
	A 3rd instar larval Culex halifaxii, from the front showing the modified grasping mouthparts. This is the last view seen before the prey larvae is eaten!
	Culex quinquefasciatus larvae (4th instar). This is a common species which is often a pest around the home and tends to breed in polluted waters. For more information, visit the Culex quinquefasciatus Fact Sheet. Click here to see images of the adult.
	A single fourth instar Culex quinquefasciatus.
	The larvae of Toxorhynchites speciosus. This mosquito is predacious on other mosquito larvae and will also eat their own kind. Click here to see a video of Toxorhynchites feeding on other larvae. See also the Toxorhynchites speciosus Fact Sheet. Click here to see the adults.
	Toxorhynchites speciosus larvae normally occur in dark containers in association with Aedes notoscriptus. Note the distinctive colour difference between the dorsal and ventral surfaces which would aid in camaflouge.
	Toxorhynchites speciosus larvae, like Aedes alternans & Culex halifaxii, have modified mouth parts to capture other mosquito larvae.
	A Toxorhynchites speciosus pupa. Note the tuft of hairs midway at the top of the pupa, which helds to hold the pupa to the water surface. Click here to see an adult male mosquito emerging.