How Long Do Aedes Mosquitoes Live?
WouterDuring the life cycle of the Aedes aegypti, the mosquitoes go through a complete metamorphosis. Depending on the species, the lifespan of the mosquitoes can range from two weeks to a month. In some cases, mosquitoes can also survive out of sight for up to six months.
This species prefers to live near water sources, such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands. It has also been found in underground water sources. Its life cycle involves four stages.
The adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are small and dark. Their bodies have distinctive patterns of light and dark scales, a violin-shaped abdomen, and pointed legs. The legs have white basal bands.
Female mosquitoes require a blood meal in order to lay eggs. They are able to lay a few hundred eggs in a single batch. During the life cycle, the mosquitoes may lay eggs as often as every third night.
Female Aedes aegypti species lay eggs in marshes and other water-rich locations. They can lay eggs as early as three days after feeding on a blood meal. In warm climates, they can lay eggs in as little as two days.
These mosquitoes have four larvae stages. The first larvae stage lasts five to eight days. The second stage lasts seven to ten days. The third stage lasts five to seven days, and the fourth stage lasts three to five days. The larvae breathe through a tube called a siphon.
The mosquito larvae live in water, and feed on small aquatic organisms and organic particles. They change into pupae during the fourth molt.
