What is unique about the larvae of the Mansonia and Coquiellitia mosquito species?

The unique characteristic of the larvae of the Mansonia and Coquillettidia mosquito species is that they do not take oxygen from water but instead are adapted to obtaining oxygen from the tissues of aquatic plants. This is different from most other mosquito larvae, which breathe air at the surface or extract oxygen from the water. This adaptation allows Mansonia and Coquillettidia larvae to thrive in environments that may lack sufficient surface access to air, such as densely vegetated wetlands or areas with extensive plant cover. By relying on the plant tissues for oxygen, these larvae can maintain their developmental processes in niches that support their life cycle effectively.