Where Mosquitoes Lay Eggs
WouterHundreds of millions of people die each year from mosquito-related illnesses. Mosquitoes are attracted to water and can breed in a variety of places. They thrive in stagnant or slow-moving waters. They also breed in heavy vegetation.
Mosquitoes are classified in the insect order Diptera. They have four distinct stages in their life cycle. These stages include female egg laying, larvae, pupae, and adult mosquitoes.
In the first stage, eggs are laid in water. These eggs hatch within 24 to 72 hours. Depending on the type of mosquito species, they may lay their eggs in salt or freshwater. Most lay their eggs directly in the water, while others deposit their eggs on moist soil or in small depressions.
Larvae develop into pupae, which then emerge as adult mosquitoes. They breathe through tubes in their tails, and are vulnerable to predators. The adult mosquitoes are attracted to water and rest on the surface until their wings dry. They then take off.
Adult female mosquitoes usually attack mammals, reptiles, and birds. They have a proboscis, antennae, and a cocoon. The adults can live up to a month. They need a blood meal to feed on to develop eggs.
The eggs of some female mosquitoes can survive for several years. They can be laid on water bottles, old tires, and inside tree holes. They are white when they are laid and darken to nearly black after a day. They are able to lay up to 100 or 300 eggs at one time.
