Mosquito!

The mosquito goes through four separate and distinct stages of its life cycle and they are as follows: Egg, Larva, pupa, and adult. Each of these stages can be easily recognized by their special appearance.

Stage 1 - Egg
Eggs are laid one at a time and they float on the surface of the water. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours.

Stage 2 - Larva
The larva live in the water and come to the surface to breathe. They shed their skin four times growing larger after each molting. Most larvae have siphon tubes for breathing and hang from the water surface. Anopheles larvae do not have a siphon and they lay parallel to the water surface. The larva feed on micro-organisms and organic matter in the water. On the fourth molt the larva changes into a pupa.

Stage 3 - Pupa
The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage. This is the time the mosquito turns into an adult. It takes about two days before the adult is fully developed. When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.

Stage 4 - Adult
The newly emerged adult rests on the surface of the water for a short time to allow itself to dry and all its parts to harden. Also, the wings have to spread out and dry properly before it can fly.

Do you know?
Aedes lay their eggs on damp soil or source that will be flooded by water. Some mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in less than a week. So Eliminate potential breeding areas by removing items that can collect standing water such as old tires, buckets, cans, plastic swimming pools and wheel barrows. Turn them over when not in use, if you can. Read more

Only the female mosquito bites and feeds on the blood of humans or other animals.

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