This is a mosquito larva. The main parts used for identification are the head and antennae, siphon, pecten, saddle, and anal segment (also known as segment X).
Genus Anopheles
Mosquitos of the genus Anopheles easily identified due to their lack of a siphon. In addition, abdominal segments III-VII have flattened, fan-like hairs.
Genus Culex
Mosquitos in the genus Culex have a saddle completely encircling segment X. The siphon has at least three pairs of setae on it, not near the base of the siphon.
Culex pipiens
Culex restuans
Culex tarsalis
Genus Culiseta
Mosquitos of the genus Culiseta have a basal pair of ventral seta on their siphon, and their saddle completely encircles segment X.
Genus Psorophora
Mosquitos of the genus Psorophora have a saddle that completely encircles segment X, and is pierced along the midventral line by a row of seta. Also, the siphon has only one pair of setae.
Genus Aedes (Ochlerotatus)
Mosquitos in the genus Aedes are separated by subgenus when in larval form. Some have a single pair of setae beyond the pecten spines. These usually do not have a saddle that completely encircles segment X. If they do, then it does not contain any setae. Also, the setae following the pecten spines are not very far beyond the spines. When they have more than one pair of setae, the distal pecten spines are more widely spaced than the rest. They also have a dorsolateral row of setae on the siphon.
