Mosquito larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a mosquito larva (family Culicidae). The larva hatches and lives in water until it attains its adult form. It breathes air through its siphon tube (upper right), which it anchors to the water's surface. The larva feeds on algae and other detritus suspended in the water. Magnification: x35 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.