How Do Mosquitoes Make Their Eggs?
WouterDespite being a relatively small insect, mosquitoes have a complex life cycle. The cycle involves four stages, including an egg, larva, pupa and an adult.
The egg is the first stage in the life cycle. Mosquito eggs are small and do not eat. They are laid singly or in groups. Some species lay eggs in moist soil. Others lay them on top of water. They can survive for months without water, but they can also thrive in rainy seasons.
In the larval stage, the mosquito larva eats microscopic organisms and decaying leaves. The larvae are then transformed into pupae. This is the resting stage between the larva and adult stage. The mosquito pupa is called a tumbler. The adult mosquito emerges from the pupa.
After a blood meal, the female mosquito will lay eggs. She will lay between one and three batches of eggs. Some species lay eggs in groups of 25 to 100, while others lay them in clumps. The females of most other species lay eggs in a water-collected hole in trees. Some eggs are laid on the surface of the water, while others are laid in rafts. This gives them a higher chance of surviving.
The female mosquito also stores sperm for fertilizing eggs later. The male is capable of identifying the female from the sound of her wings. The female also uses multiple senses to find swarms of males. It may be able to smell the scent of carbon dioxide.
