Which of the following is NOT a standing water mosquito breeding habitat in Maryland?

• A. Freshwater marshes
• B. Lakes
• C. Running streams
• D. Swamps

Answer: (C)

Mosquitoes that breed in public health programs typically need still, undisturbed water for eggs to hatch and larvae to develop. Standing water—such as freshwater marshes, lakes, and swamps—provides a quiet, stable habitat where larvae can anchor, access surface air, and avoid being swept away by currents. Running streams, on the other hand, are moving water environments. The current and turbulence make it hard for larvae to stay in place and complete their development, so they are not considered standing-water breeding habitats. While some mosquitoes can use slow backwaters or pools in streams, the general rule is that flowing water is not a typical standing-water breeding site.