Do Mosquitoes Live in Saltwater?
WouterSeveral species of mosquitoes have been studied and evaluated. A number of mosquitoes are considered to be of medical importance because they are known to carry diseases. The three major genera are Culex (freshwater species), Culiseta (saltwater species), and Aedes (flies with important arboviruses).
Some mosquitoes are sensitive to salt. This is because they have adapted to local conditions. They live in saltwater marshes and ponds. Their bites can be painful and take longer to heal. However, the disease vectors of saltwater mosquitoes are not more likely to transmit diseases to humans than those of freshwater species.
Most mosquitoes live in freshwater. However, certain mosquito breeds are known to lay eggs in saltwater. Various factors determine the location of a mosquito’s egg laying site, including temperature, amount of food, and number of larvae.
Mosquito larvae are known to feed on microorganisms in water. They molt four times, or instars, during their growth. Their life span is also dependent on temperature and the quality of nutrients in the water. The larval stage can last from four to fourteen days.
Adult mosquitoes are able to detect salt in the water using tarsal segments. Some mosquito species are able to survive in water with up to 36 parts per trillion (ppt) of salt. Others are tolerant to salt. Regardless of the species, salt has been shown to affect the larval stage and the life cycle of the mosquito.
Adult mosquitoes have a vascular system and a digestive system that can handle excess salt. They can also deal with the salt they ingest during feeding.
