How Mosquitoes Survive Winter

During the winter, mosquitoes do not survive as well as they do in the summer. The cold temperatures of the season decrease the insects’ metabolisms. They become lethargic and cannot perform any functions.

There are several ways to survive the cold weather. Some mosquitoes are able to hibernate. In this state, they lower their metabolisms and store nutrients in their bodies. Eventually, they wake up from hibernation when warmer weather arrives.

In the spring, when the temperatures rise, female mosquitoes begin laying eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae that live in a watery environment for a couple of days. They then move to the surface and begin eating. These larvae then become adults. These adults live in a moist, shallow water during the winter. The female mosquito also fattens up during the winter. They will consume the blood of animals and humans. The adults then die after mating in the fall.

In order to survive the cold, mosquitoes need to hide in sheltered locations. These places include crevices, animal burrows, and decaying logs. Some species of mosquitoes will even burrow into cracks in trees.

They will lay their eggs in the water that freezes during the winter. These eggs will then hatch when the water warms up in the spring. The larvae will remain in the icy waters or in the moist soil until the weather warms up.

Many mosquitoes will die if temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are a few species that will hibernate in the colder regions. Other species may die after mating or before the first frost.

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