Understanding the different stages of the mosquito’s life cycle can help prevent and effectively eliminate populations before they become a problem. All mosquito species have four distinct stages to their life cycle. Egg, Larvae, Pupa, and Adult. There are over 300 species of mosquitoes in the world. The most common and most dangerous, are the Culex mosquitoes. The Culex pipiens is the main carrier of the West Nile virus.
Eggs
Female mosquitoes lay hundreds of eggs about every few days during their lifespan directly on or near water. Some eggs are laid in spots that will flood at a later date, surviving in dry conditions for months. Water is required in order for the eggs to hatch. Eggs hatch into larvae.
Larvae
After eggs hatch, larvae emerge. Larvae are referred to as “wigglers” because of how they appear when they swim. The length of time to hatch depends on water temperature, food, and type of mosquito. Larvae live in the water; molting several times while they feed on organic matter, and develop into the third stage of their life cycle called the Pupa. Larvae live close to the surface where they breathe through tubes. Larvae can be effectively controlled using products that poison them or block their breathing.
Pupae
As larvae continue to develop through their molting process the mosquito moves into its third life stage called the pupae stage. The pupae does not feed during this stage in the life cycle. Pupa continue to live in the water and are often referred to as a “tumblers” for the way they fall into deeper parts of the water as they avoid predators. Pupae continue to breathe through tubes near the surface of the water just like the larvae do. Pupae emerge into adult mosquitoes within several days depending on species, and water temperature.
Adult
Adult mosquitoes emerge from the water and begin flying a short time after they have dried out and their body parts have hardened. Male mosquitoes begin mating with females after their reproductive organs have fully developed. This usually takes a day or two. Male mosquitoes live for about 3 to 5 days after mating. Female mosquitoes mate once, but continue to lay eggs after every blood meal. Under ideal conditions, females can live upwards of a month.
