Where Does Mosquitoes Lay Eggs?
During the mosquito breeding cycle, there are four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first stage, the egg, is laid by the female mosquito. These eggs can be found in many areas, including coffee cups, snail shells, and water bottle caps. They hatch within 24 to 72 hours.
The larva, or the third instar, begins to develop from the egg. It takes about five days for the mosquito to change into its adult form. Its life cycle depends on the climate. Some species overwinter in their larval state, while others hatch as adults. This can affect the birth rate of the next generation.
Some female mosquitoes lay eggs directly on the surface of the water, while others deposit them in the moist soil. Most of the Culex family lay their eggs on or in the water, but some of the species are not known for doing so.
During the egg laying process, the female mosquito uses blood to nourish the eggs. It also stores sperm from its mating session to use later for fertilizing the eggs.
The female mosquito will lay up to 500 eggs before dying. She will also lay up to two batches of eggs. The first batch will be white, and the second will darken to near black. The eggs will start to deteriorate after about a day.
When the weather warms in late spring, the mosquito will begin to lay eggs. Depending on the temperature and humidity, these eggs will hatch in about 48 hours. They are tiny, and can survive harsh conditions.