How Often Do Mosquitoes Feed
WouterUnlike some insects, mosquitoes are not usually known for their appetite. But, they do have a way to feed on human blood.
A female mosquito must receive a blood meal before she can lay eggs. Often, she will bite a few times before she can get the necessary blood. Then she lays her eggs, which are made of protein.
After her eggs are laid, she tries to get another blood meal. Some species can live for six months without food, while others need to eat blood every two weeks. These changes in life cycles are based on the species, but most mosquitoes survive for eight to 10 days.
During the larva stage, the mosquito moves up and down the water column to look for food. Some larvae even pierce the roots of water plants to get air. Other larvae have a specialized structure called a “breathing siphon” that goes up to the surface.
The adult mosquito is a much larger and more complicated creature. It lives for up to a month indoors. If the weather is mild, she may live outdoors for several weeks.
The mosquito’s life cycle involves four distinct stages. The first stage is the egg, followed by the larva and the pupa. The larva is the most active stage of the mosquito’s life. The pupa is slightly less active, but it is also a very important stage. The larval phase can take up to fourteen days, and the pupa may take a few more days to transform into an adult.
