Which of the following larvae do not breathe air?

The correct choice indicates that both Mansonia and Coquillettidia larvae do not breathe air. This is significant because, unlike many other mosquito larvae that utilize siphons to access atmospheric oxygen, these particular genera have adapted to extract oxygen from aquatic plants and algae through specialized structures. This adaptation allows them to thrive in certain environments where air access might be limited or where they would be at risk of predation if they were to surface frequently for air.

In contrast, other mosquito larvae, such as Wyeomia, Anopheline, and Culex, use air to breathe and require access to the water surface. This fundamental difference in respiratory adaptation among mosquito larvae highlights their diverse ecological strategies and adaptations to various aquatic habitats. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial in understanding their life cycles and habitats in public health contexts, especially concerning vector control and epidemiological studies.