How do Coquillettidia obtain air for breathing?

Coquillettidia mosquitoes have a distinct adaptation that allows them to obtain air for respiration by inserting specialized air tubes into the hollow stems of aquatic plants. This behavior enables them to access atmospheric oxygen directly, which is crucial for their survival in the often crowded and low-oxygen environments in which they develop. The tubes, sometimes referred to as "siphons," extend from the larvae to the surface of the plant, allowing them to breathe while remaining submerged. This adaptation is particularly significant because it allows Coquillettidia larvae to thrive in water bodies that may not have sufficient dissolved oxygen for other aquatic organisms. The use of plant structures for respiration showcases their unique ecological niche and adaptation strategies.

Other options suggest different mechanisms for obtaining air that are not characteristic of Coquillettidia. Surfacing periodically is a strategy used by some other mosquito larvae, while absorption from water or extracting oxygen from plants does not accurately represent how Coquillettidia retrieve the air they need. Understanding these adaptations is vital in mosquito biology and management practices.