The Stages Of The Mosquito Life Cycles

What are the stages of the mosquito life cycle?

1. Eggs
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult 

Did you know that mosquitoes are regarded as the world’s deadliest animal? This does not come as a surprise because it’s a fact that mosquitoes kill more people than any other creature across the world. Some of the most dangerous mosquito species spread diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and the Zika virus. Given that mosquitoes are a major health threat, it’s important to ensure that the mosquito population on your property is under control. Understanding the stages of the mosquito life cycle is one of the most effective ways to do this.

All mosquitoes go through four distinct developmental stages during their life cycle. These include the eggs, larva, pupa, and adult. Mosquitoes have a complex life cycle. It is comprised of two different phases: the aquatic (eggs, larva, and pupa) and the terrestrial (adult). Continue reading to learn more. 

Eggs

Mosquitoes need water to begin their life cycle. This is why after feeding on blood, adult female mosquitoes look for a water source to lay their eggs. They typically lay their eggs on the inner and wet walls of water containers, just above the waterline. Female mosquitoes also lay about 100 eggs at a time. 

The way adult female mosquitoes will lay eggs will depend on their species. However, the most common mosquito species will lay their eggs one at a time or into a group in the shape of a raft. The eggs will be very sturdy. These will stick to the walls of water containers and will survive drying until 8 months.   

Keep in mind that it only takes a small amount of water to attract female mosquitoes. Even the smallest bowls, cups, and vases that accumulate water can become a mosquito breeding ground. In general, it takes only 24 to 48 hours for mosquito eggs to hatch. However, different factors can affect the hatching period, such as mosquito species or low water temperature.

Larva

Once hatched, mosquito eggs turn into larvae. However, it’s important to remember that mosquito eggs turn into larvae only after the water level rises to cover the eggs. If you happen to add water to containers with mosquito eggs, you can expect them to become larvae. 

Mosquito larvae are also known as “wigglers” because they wriggle or swim through water. They live almost exclusively in water and cannot absorb oxygen unless they penetrate the water surface or breathe through the tubular organ called a respiratory siphon. 

Mosquito larvae feed on any microorganism they can get from the water. After molting 3 to 4 times, the larvae will become pupa. 

Pupa

The pupa, also known as the “tumbler” is the stage where mosquitoes do not feed. They just rest before emerging as adult mosquitoes. 

Similar to the larval stage, mosquito pupa can breathe if they penetrate the water surface or if they breathe through the extension of their body part called respiratory trumpets. The pupa will form into an adult mosquito within about 1 to 4 days. 

Adult

Once a mosquito pupa is completely developed, an adult mosquito will emerge. Within 1 to 2 days after having its body parts harden, an adult mosquito will mate.

After mating, adult male mosquitoes will feed on nectar from plants. On the other hand, adult female mosquitoes will feed on humans or animals for blood in order to develop their eggs. After feeding, the adult female mosquitoes will look for sources of water to lay more eggs once again. 

How Long Is The Mosquito Life Cycle?

The mosquito life cycle from egg to adult typically takes up to 2 weeks. However, the duration of the mosquito life cycle can vary depending on factors like water temperature and food source. As a result, this can take as short as 4 days to as long as 1 month. 

Key Takeaway

In this blog, we’ve stated the different stages of the mosquito life cycle. When you know the mosquito life cycle, you can stop them from reproducing and multiplying, and kill them before developing into full-grown mosquitoes. 

Want to put a stop to your mosquito infestation at home? Since 1997, Topbest has been the leading provider of residential and commercial pest control services in the Philippines. 

At Topbest, we use a range of state-of-the-art technology to protect your property from pest infestations. Our environmentally sound treatments can eliminate mosquitoes while protecting you. For more expert advice on mosquito pest control, contact Topbest by clicking here. We offer a free consultation.