How Do Mosquitoes Have Babies?
WouterApproximately 2,500 mosquito species have been identified worldwide. Although some species are pest species, others are not. They are active year round in tropical areas.
There are four stages in a mosquito’s life cycle. These stages involve growth and metamorphosis. The first stage is the larva, which develops in water for about seven days. The larva is about a half-inch long and feeds on bacteria and protozoans. Its development depends on the temperature and the ambient conditions.
The larvae molts four times, and then sheds its exoskeleton and metamorphoses into the pupa stage. The pupa is semi-transparent and breathes through tiny trumpets. The pupa is only slightly active compared to the adult mosquito.
After the pupa has grown, the adult mosquito emerges from the cocoon and takes flight. The adult is a cold-blooded insect with a hard external skeleton and wings. It has a proboscis to inject anticoagulant to keep blood flowing.
Adult mosquitoes can fly up to 5 miles. Their wings beat about 1,000 times a second. They can also transmit diseases. Some mosquitoes are nocturnal. They prefer to stay close to the ground.
A female mosquito must find a suitable host. Depending on the species, she may mate once, two times, or even several times. She can lay up to 500 eggs during her lifetime. After laying a batch of eggs, she begins searching for a suitable site.
She chooses a site based on chemical receptors. Some female mosquitoes will lay their eggs in water while other species will lay them in artificial containers such as old tires.
