2006-06-15 03:07:47 · 4 answers · asked by Pearlsawme 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
mozzies need to come to the surface of the water to complete their life cycle and the oil prevents them getting the air they need so they drown. sadly, a lot of other critters die too sometimes
2006-06-15 03:13:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Mosquito larvae are aquatic, but they breathe air through little snorkels on the ends of their abdomens. The oil prevents them from breathing
The oil also prevents them from molting into adults by altering the surface tension of the water, which the mosquito's have to stand on to free themselves from their larval exoskeletons.
Adult mosquito's have to lay their eggs into the water which also requires them to stick their egg laying parts through the surface while keeping the rest of themselves out. The disrupted surface tension probably claims some of them here too.
2006-06-15 03:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by corvis_9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The oil film on the water prevents airborne oxygen from reaching the mosquito larvae, causing their death.
2006-06-15 03:10:56 · answer #3 · answered by wcholberg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lack of air to the eggs
2006-06-15 03:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋