How Do Mosquitoes Make Eggs?

Until now, researchers didn’t know how mosquitoes make eggs. They thought it was a neurological pathway. Now, researchers have identified a gene that triggers the reproductive system. This discovery could lead to new ways to control disease-spreading mosquito populations.

The genetic factor, called the GATA factor, activates a gene that produces yolk protein. This protein binds to the vitellogenin gene, which triggers the ovaries to produce eggs.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in water or on moist soil. The type of egg laid varies, depending on the mosquito species. Some species lay eggs in groups, while others lay them singly.

The number of eggs produced in a clutch varies based on the volume of blood ingested. Females can lay a few hundred eggs on one blood meal, but they can also lay several thousand.

In addition to laying eggs, the female mosquito needs blood to survive and produce more mosquitoes. Blood contains proteins that help to nourish the eggs.

The female mosquitoes of most species lay their eggs on moist soil or in water. Some species deposit their eggs on treeholes or old tires. These types of eggs are known as treehole breeder eggs. They can tolerate wet conditions and are usually laid on the interior walls of the hole. They hatch when the water level rises.

A mosquito egg can survive freezing temperatures and rainy seasons. The eggs hatch after 24 to 48 hours. They are small and black and are shaped like a canoe or wedge. They are hardened to protect them from the harsh environment. Some of these eggs can survive for months without water.