Up to now we have talked about how mosquitoes spend the entire larval and pupal phase in water, either on the surface or in places close to the surface. Over time this would have a negative effect on the larvae. However, the larvae are not in the least affected by sunlight, because any problems that could occur are solved right from the start, thanks to a pigment found in the body of the mosquito.

This pigment sheath consists of a network of cells resembling urocytes almost completely filled with uric acid granules. The uric acid acts as a sunscreen for the transparent larvae and pupae, and accordingly the mosquito is able to stay in the sun without getting burnt.

All the characteristics of mosquitoes serve as evidence of creation. To see this evident fact once again, let's think of it this way: Even if just this shield were to be removed from the mosquito's body, all the other attributes would become meaningless and the larva would burn to death in the sun.

All the examples given up to now point to one reality: God, Who creates all the characteristics that make up the mosquito, has incomparable power and knowledge. There is no other deity. God informs us as follows in a verse of the Qur'an that no partner should be associated with Him:

Or have they taken other deities besides Him? Say: "Produce your proof! This is the message of those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away. (Qur'an, 21:24)

A BIG CHANGE: THE PUPAL STAGE

In the majority of mosquitoes the larval phase lasts up to one week. The duration of this phase mainly depends on temperature, although feeding is also an indirect factor.

The larva grows constantly, and in a short time its skin starts to restrict its growth. This means the time has come for the first skin to be shed.

The transformation begins

At the end of the larval stage an entirely new underwater phase begins for the mosquito. This stage, known as the pupa, is the final stage before the creature becomes an adult mosquito.

The fast-growing larva feels the need for a sharp tool to cut open its tough skin. At this stage it is impossible for the pupa to enlist any kind of assistance. It has to solve this problem by itself.

Up until now, the larva has easily been able to find everything it requires at each stage of its development. God, Who does everything to perfection, has created the larva together with all the organs it needs for specific purposes.

At the back of the larva's head there is an organ used for breaking the tough skin. This organ is discarded from the body as soon as the skin is shed. If this organ failed to develop, or was late in developing, the larva would be unable to cast off the skin and would suffocate to death.

The new skin, which is soft and flexible, allows the larva to continue to grow. The mosquito larva will shed three more skins by the time it completes its growth. It develops by shedding its skin 4 times in all and finally becomes 10 mm (0.4 inch) in length.

The mosquito grubs have now entered the final phase before becoming fully-fledged mosquitoes, the "pupal" phase. This is a very short phase consisting of only a few days at the most, during which time the pupa does not feed. The head of the mosquito, which is fused with the thoracic section that will later carry the legs and feet of the mosquito, is large and round. At this stage, the mosquito is like a brand new creature, and its needs have also changed.