How Long Do Mosquitoes Survive?
WouterDepending on the species, the lifespan of mosquitoes can vary from a week to several months. In some areas, such as Africa, the life of malaria mosquitoes can be as short as 5 to 15 days. However, scientists hope to find a way to shorten their lifespan.
The lifespan of a mosquito depends on a variety of factors, including the climate, the type of mosquito, and the sex of the mosquito. Some females may live longer than their male counterparts.
There are three stages in a mosquito’s life: the larval, pupa, and adult phases. The larval phase, which lasts for up to 14 days, takes place in water where the mosquito was hatched. The pupa phase, which takes a few more days, floats around on the water. The adult phase occurs when the mosquito emerges from the cocoon. The adult’s proboscis allows the insect to feed.
The longest lived mosquitoes are those that do not get eaten by predators. These mosquitoes can survive for one to two months. A few species can fly up to five miles.
In the United States, a mosquito with the ability to infect humans with the West Nile virus has been spotted during hibernation. These Culex mosquitoes lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. They are found in tree holes and standing water. Some of these mosquitoes are able to survive the cold winters and the summer heat, while others die of old age.
