How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Without Blood?
WouterThose who think that mosquitoes only feed on blood, will be surprised to learn that mosquitoes actually live without blood for days. In fact, some female mosquitoes are known to lay hundreds of eggs before dying. If you don’t want to get bitten, know which mosquito species are common in your area, and invest in repellent clothing.
Aside from a lack of blood, the lifespan of a mosquito also depends on a number of factors. For example, the adult male mosquito will only live for a few weeks during the summer months, but the adult female will have a longer life. The average lifespan of a female mosquito is about six months, and she can even lay more than 500 eggs in a lifetime.
The average adult female can survive for up to four days without blood, and she might be able to live for as long as six months if she can find other food sources. Obviously, if she can’t, she’ll be on the lookout for a blood meal.
However, the mosquito’s longest-lived stage is its larvae. These tiny creatures are found floating around in water, waiting to hatch into adults. They feed on aquatic microorganisms and will shed their skins at least four times. They will grow as they molt, and will eventually be able to breathe above the surface.
While female mosquitoes can survive for up to two months without feeding, they’re not prone to starvation. The same holds true for the male, although he can’t transmit diseases.
