Mosquito larvae (Culicidae). In spite of their vast numbers of individuals in boggy northern landscapes, the species of mosquitos are few, by insect standards, something over 3000 species. Like midges and the other Diptera (the flies), mosquitos pass through four larval stages before pupating. The larvae lurk at the surface, taking up a rather horizontal stance because their spiracles, or breathing tubes, are located on the backside of their eighth abdominal segment. At the least overhead shadow they leave the surface and dive for cover in the substrate.

Fish hunt mosquito larvae so enthusiastically I was surprised to hear that mosquito larvae aren't a major natural food source for fish; a female mosquito will avoid waters where fish live, to seek out temporary, fish-free puddles, perhaps in tree-holes or the cup of a bromeliad, etc.

Mosquito larvae are an excellent fish food, if you have a natural source. Culturing mosquitos in kiddie wading pools or in those abandoned tractor tires that you have scattered picturesquely all round your backyard doesn't make you popular in the neighborhood, especially here in New York, the epicenter of West Nile virus!