Which stage is NOT part of the mosquito life cycle?

The mosquito life cycle consists of several distinct stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Each stage plays a critical role in the development of a mosquito from egg to adult.

Focusing on the stages, eggs are laid in water or in areas that will be flooded. The larvae, which are aquatic and often referred to as "wrigglers," hatch from these eggs. They are responsible for feeding and growing in the water. After a certain period, the larvae transform into pupae, which is a non-feeding stage where they undergo metamorphosis into the adult form. Finally, the adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupae, completing the life cycle.

The stage that is mistakenly identified as part of the mosquito life cycle is the "lava." This term does not accurately describe any stage of mosquito development. Instead, the proper term is larvae, which clearly distinguishes the aquatic larval stage. Therefore, the only one that does not correctly fit into the well-established stages of the mosquito life cycle is "lava."