Larval survey of a septic tank overflow channel shows numerous larvae hanging from the water surface at an angle, each attached through a prominent respiratory siphon tube. The water is grossly polluted with organic matter. Identify the mosquito.
- A Anopheles culicifacies
- B Aedes aegypti
- C Culex quinquefasciatus ✓
- D Mansonia annulifera
Correct answer: C. Culex quinquefasciatus
Explanation
Culex larvae hang from the surface at an angle with the head pointing downward, breathing through a long siphon tube, and they thrive in organically polluted water such as septic overflows and drains. Anopheles larvae lie parallel to the surface without a siphon and prefer clean water. Aedes larvae have a short siphon and breed in containers. Mansonia larvae attach to aquatic plants for air, so they would not be seen free-hanging in open polluted water.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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