MOSQUITO LIFE CYCLE

A mosquito develops from egg to adulthood in 4 to 7 days.

The Cradles of Life

Adult mosquitoes lay their eggs in breeding sites. Typically these sites are standing water, however eggs can be laid in a dry place were water is likely to come at a later time. The most common places are still ponds and lakes. While these breeding grounds are obvious, some of the others are not. Mosquitoes can breed inside of old tires, swimming pools, and even bottle caps. Any container that collects water and protects in from being disturbed is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The possibilities are limitless.

One female mosquito may lay 100 to 300 eggs at a time and may average 1,000 to 3,000 offsprings during her life span.

The Circle of Life

The mosquito life cycle is broken down into four stages. The first is the egg, which we know is laid in still water breeding grounds by adult mosquitoes. These eggs remain on the surface of the water until they hatch into larva. In the larva stage several layers of skin are shed. This stage can range from days to weeks. The larva change into pupa, and in this stage the mosquito becomes an adult over the course of a few days. Now that the mosquito is fully developed, it begins searching for food and a mate. Full of plant nectar and done with her business the female mosquito begins looking for the protein necessary for her to lay eggs and continue the life cycle. The mosquito’s protein source is blood. The average life span of a female mosquito is 3 to 100 days. the male lives 10 to 20 days.