The life cycle of the mosquito varies according to the species and the factors that intervene within its environment, such as climate and humidity. The size of the mosquito also varies, although most reach 15 mm in length and weigh up to two milligrams.
There are 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world. However, all species go through the same four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Importantly, certain species of mosquitoes are hosts to various diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and malaria.
Although all mosquitoes go through the same stages, their duration in the first three varies depending on the species.
For example, there are mosquitoes whose life span is 96 hours (4 days), while others can survive the winter and lay eggs once spring begins.
The 4 stages of the life cycle of a mosquito
1- Eggs
Something that all mosquitoes have in common is that all early stages develop in an aquatic environment.
Depending on the species, the eggs are deposited on the surface of places with water.
Some eggs are more resistant to heat and dryness, so they can also be deposited in places where water is collected later, as in the case of rains and floods.
The animal develops within the egg between 24 and 48 hours, until the larvae emerge.
2- Larva
The larvae rise to the surface and breathe through an air tube that is connected to the abdomen.
There are four subtypes of larvae that, as they develop, feed on organic material. At the end of seven or ten days, the larvae pupate.
3- Pupa
Pupae are easier to recognize because they can be seen floating above the surfaces where reproduction took place. The pupa does not eat because the larva has developed into an adult insect inside the pupa.
Larvae and pupae cannot survive outside the aquatic environment. If the water were to evaporate before they reached their adult stage, they would die.
The last stage emerges from the pupal case, which is the mosquito or the adult stage.
4- Mosquito
Once mosquitoes are fully developed, they can stand on the water, dry their wings, and prepare to fly.
Only female mosquitoes feed on the blood of their servers in order to produce eggs.
They are also capable of flying several kilometers if necessary to get food, and can lay up to 300 eggs at a time.
It is possible for a female mosquito to lay up to 3,000 eggs during its entire existence.
Once the females lay their eggs, they go in search of other hosts to feed on blood and repeat the cycle.
Male mosquitoes have an exclusive fruit-based diet; their jaws are not suitable for feeding on blood.
From the time the mosquito is created in the egg until it reaches its adult stage, it can take between 10 and 14 days.
References
- Bergero P, Ruggerio C, Lombardo R, Schweigmann N, Solari H. (2013). Dispersal of Aedes aegypti: field study in temperate areas using a novel method. Vector Terminal.
- Bookstein, F. (1991). Morphometric tools for landmark data: geometry and biology. New York: Cambridge Univ. Press.
- De Sousa G, Blanco A, Gardenal C. (2001). Genetic relationships among Aedes aegypti. J Med entomo.
- Reiter P, Amador M, Anderson R, Clark G. (1995). Dispersal of Aedes aegypti in an urban area after blood feeding as demonstrated by rubidium-mar ked eggs. AmJTrop Med. Hyg.
- Snodgrass R. (1959). The anatomical life of the mosquito. Smithsonian Institution.