How many larval instars do mosquitoes typically pass through during development?

Mosquitoes typically pass through four larval instars during their development. This process occurs after they hatch from eggs, when they enter the aquatic larval stage. Each instar is a stage between two molts, where the larva grows and develops before shedding its exoskeleton to move on to the next stage.

The four instars allow the mosquito sufficient growth and preparation for pupation, where they transform into adults. The structured progression through these instars is crucial for their development, as each stage has distinct physiological characteristics and behaviors. While different species of mosquitoes might show some variance in the duration and characteristics of these instars, four is the commonly recognized number for the majority. This structured development is key for their survival and readiness to transition into the adult stage.