Where Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs
WouterDuring the summer months, mosquitoes lay their eggs in places where there is standing water. These include bird baths, pools, fountains, and tree holes. But during the winter, they are less active. They prefer to rest in areas where the water is shady or humid.
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant water, or on the interior walls of tree holes. The number of eggs they will lay depends on the species of mosquito. Some will lay as few as 10 eggs, while others will lay more than 200.
These eggs are typically oval or round in shape. They have two layers. The inner layer is opaque, while the outer layer is transparent. The larvae will feed on microscopic organisms in the water. They will also eat algae and plankton. They develop for seven to ten days before they pupate.
The pupae live in the water for a few days. When it reaches the adult stage, it will stay on the water’s surface. But it will still move around. They will eventually molt into an adult mosquito. The adult will then spread its wings and take off.
A female mosquito will spend the rest of her life laying her eggs. She can spawn up to three or four batches of eggs. Depending on the species, the first brood may contain 50 to 500 eggs. The second and third broods will have fewer eggs.
The adult female mosquito needs a blood meal to reproduce. Some will feed on human blood, while others will feed on reptiles or birds.
