How Do Mosquitoes Reproduce?

WouterDecember 11, 2022December 11, 2022

During the mosquito’s life cycle, there are four distinct stages. These stages include an egg, a larva, a pupa, and an adult. Each stage has a different duration, based on the species. Some species may go through each stage in just a few days, while others take up to a month.

In the first phase of the life cycle, a female mosquito searches for males and lays eggs in water. During this time, she also seeks out blood to feed her eggs. Her preferred blood host is one that has an enticing scent and is easily identifiable. She also looks for organic substances, such as nectar, to help her find her food.

Once a female mosquito reaches the egg-laying stage, she stores the eggs in her abdomen. She can re-use the same eggs for future laying. If she does not need to feed her eggs, she can lay them in a temporary puddle of water.

The adult mosquito emerges from the pupa after a few days. She has a long, slender body and wings that have been stretched. She can fly, but she cannot survive without a good blood meal.

The larva is a long, slim, wiggler-like creature that spends its entire life in water. Its mouth works like a long tube that sucts out nutrients from any potential meals. It also has a siphon tube that allows it to breathe. On average, the mosquito larva moults its skin four times.