What is the common name for mosquitoes in the larval stage?

The term "wigglers" is commonly used to refer to mosquitoes in their larval stage. At this stage, larvae are aquatic and exhibit a distinctive wiggling motion when they swim through the water. This movement is typically due to their segmented bodies and the presence of a caudal siphon, which they use to breathe while remaining submerged. The larval form is an important developmental phase for mosquitoes, as this is where they feed on microorganisms and organic matter in the water, preparing them for their next stage of development into pupae and eventually adult mosquitoes.

Other terms such as "swimmers" are not specifically associated with mosquitoes, and options like "flyers" and "thinkers" do not accurately represent any life stage of mosquitoes. The correct term encapsulates the behavior and appearance of these larvae, which is crucial for identifying them during community insect management practices.