What stage of a mosquito's life is referred to as a "Wiggler"?

The stage of a mosquito's life referred to as a "Wiggler" is the larval stage. During this stage, mosquito larvae are aquatic and exhibit a characteristic wriggling motion when they swim. This behavior helps them move through water, where they feed on microorganisms and organic matter. Larvae typically have a distinct, elongated body and can be seen just beneath the water's surface, hanging in a characteristic 'L' position.

Understanding the different life stages of mosquitoes is crucial in vector control efforts. Recognizing the larval stage helps in identifying potential breeding sites and implementing appropriate control measures. For instance, treatments can be targeted at water sources where larvae are present, effectively reducing mosquito populations before they mature into adults, which are more challenging to control. Thus, the term "Wiggler" specifically refers to the larval stage due to the larvae's active swimming behavior compared to the other stages, which do not exhibit this motion in the same way.