How Do Mosquitoes Turn Into Flies?
WouterDepending on their habitat, mosquitoes can live for months without water. They can also survive freezing conditions in temperate lands. The lifespan of a male mosquito usually ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. They live by feeding on the blood of other animals and plant nectar. They also have a special breathing mechanism called a siphon. It is shaped like a long straw that goes up to the surface of water.
They are classified in the Diptera order. The larvae, also called flies, are wormlike creatures that live in water. They are small and easily eaten by other animals. They are classified into four life stages. Each stage is characterized by its own special body.
The first instar larvae are small. They grow to around 5 mm in length. They have a limited number of spines to help them feel around and float in the water. They also breathe through an air tube on their tails. They begin to eat voraciously when they hatch. The larvae molt four times during this stage. They eat organic matter and bacteria in the water. They also eat aquatic algae.
The second instar larvae develop into pupae. These pupae also breathe through a siphon. They are visible on the surface of the breeding site. They do not feed. They have a semi-transparent exoskeleton. The final molt makes them about half an inch in length. They become fully developed adult mosquitoes.
