How Much Does a Mosquito Live?
WouterDepending on the species, some mosquitoes live for as little as a week, while others may survive for up to eight months. While these insects may be a nuisance, they are also part of the natural order. They are responsible for carrying many diseases. If you want to control these pests, it’s important to understand their life cycle.
In general, female mosquitoes lay eggs that will later develop into larvae. They are active during the summer, while they become dormant during the winter. In cold climates, they can stay dormant for up to six months.
The female adult mosquito needs blood to survive. She uses her body’s blood to feed her eggs, which are then laid on a nearby water surface. The eggs hatch into larvae that eat microscopic plants, animals and bacteria.
During the larval stage, the mosquito grows until it is nearly 3/8-inch in size. It can then dive deeper into the water when it’s alarmed. It’s exoskeleton hardens to protect it from the harsh environment. It then starts to eat voraciously. It molts four times during the larval stage.
The larvae then metamorphose into pupae. They shed their external covering for a few days. Then, they develop into adults. Some species of mosquitoes only breed once in their lives, while other species have multiple generations.
Males, on the other hand, do not take a blood meal. They consume plant nectar and sugary sources from flowers. They also spend the first few days of their adulthood eating.
