Mosquitoes
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Mosquitoes
comprise one of the most widespread and abundant groups of insects
in the world, and are responsible for some of man's worst diseases.
Any quiet water is a potential place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. A
single cup of water may provide enough room for more than 1000 larvae
to grow from eggs to adults. The eggs of most species can survive dry
periods and other harsh conditions. Each female may lay about 50 eggs,
either singly or joined in rafts on the surface of still water. Some
species have only one life cycle per year, whereas others may have
several. Eggs may not hatch until suitable conditions are present,
which sometimes may take a year or more to occur. However, the larval
stage lasts about 10 days, and the pupal stage only about 2 days. Adults
usually live for about 30 days. Only the female mosquito bites and
feeds on blood. Some travel more than 30 km (20 mi.) in a day to look
for a blood meal.
