Psorophora ferox larvae develop in which habitat?

Psorophora ferox larvae develop in which habitat?

• A. Larvae develop in temporary ponds.
• B. Adults feed on small mammals.
• C. Larvae develop in fast-flowing streams.
• D. Larvae hatch directly in the air.

Answer: (A)

Psorophora ferox is a floodwater mosquito, and its larvae develop in temporary ponds formed after rainfall. These short-lived pools provide a brief, nutrient-rich aquatic habitat where larvae can grow quickly before the water dries again. This ephemeral habitat is a hallmark of floodwater species and explains why temporary ponds are the correct environment for larval development. Fast-flowing streams don’t provide the still-water conditions these larvae need; strong currents would wash them away. Larvae don’t hatch directly in the air—the eggs require contact with water or moist substrate to hatch. And adult feeding behavior (on small mammals) doesn’t describe where larvae develop, so it isn’t about the larval habitat.

Psorophora ferox is a floodwater mosquito, and its larvae develop in temporary ponds formed after rainfall. These short-lived pools provide a brief, nutrient-rich aquatic habitat where larvae can grow quickly before the water dries again. This ephemeral habitat is a hallmark of floodwater species and explains why temporary ponds are the correct environment for larval development.

Fast-flowing streams don’t provide the still-water conditions these larvae need; strong currents would wash them away. Larvae don’t hatch directly in the air—the eggs require contact with water or moist substrate to hatch. And adult feeding behavior (on small mammals) doesn’t describe where larvae develop, so it isn’t about the larval habitat.