Mosquito Lifecycle
Egg; Mosquitoes have adapted a range of egg laying techniques to accommodate a variety of aquatic habitats. One characteristic common to all mosquitoes is that they require standing water throughout the entire breeding cycle until they reach the adult stage. Eggs take 1-4 days to hatch into larvae, also called wigglers.
Larvae; The larval stage consists of four separate instars in which the mosquito progresses in development. During this stage the larvae actively feed on organic matter in the water and take in oxygen from a breathing tube. They hang from the water’s surface and can dive down into the water to avoid predators. Larvae take about 5-14 days to develop into pupae, depending mostly upon water temperature.
Papae; Papae, also called tumblers, is the final stage of aquatic growth. The mosquito stops feeding and begins its final maturation however, they are still very active and can dive in their characteristic tumbling motion. After 1-4 days the pupae emerges onto the water’s surface as an adult mosquitoes, rests briefly to harden, and flies away.
Adult; After hatching, many species will immediately mate. Male mosquitoes have a short life span, generally living only 1-3 weeks and feed off of plant sugars. Female mosquitoes seek a blood meal so that they can produce eggs. Female mosquitoes generally produce 1-4 batches of eggs during their lifespan. Some mosquito species, such as Culex Pipiens, overwinter as adults and can live for 6+ months.
Mosquito Diseases
Mosquitoes: More than just a nuisance
More than just simple pests, mosquitoes are blood-sucking transmitters of serious diseases. When many people think of dangerous creatures, bears or sharks often come to mind. However, despite its size, the mosquito is, by far, the world’s deadliest creature. Every year, 300-500 million people will contract malaria and approximately 2.5 million people will die as a result.
Here in the United States, we are generally less aware of the dangers of mosquitoes. We take great measures to control their population. Over 1,000 Americans will become seriously ill or die from a mosquito-borne illness, each year. Many more will experience a minor to moderate mosquito borne reaction. With less capable immune systems, children and the elderly are the most susceptible to many mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquitoes as vectors
Mosquitoes are organisms that are capable of carrying and spreading diseases (vectors). These are some common diseases transmitted by the mosquito to humans and animals.
- Dengue fever (rare in the U.S.; 100 million cases worldwide)
- Eastern equine encephalitis (eastern U.S., but rare; 33% mortalit
- Heartworm (threat to dogs throughout continental U.S.
- Japanese encephalitis (rare outbreaks in U.S. territories in the Pacific)
- La Crosse encephalitis (about 100 U.S. cases annually)
- Malaria (in the U.S., acquired mainly in FL; 1 million deaths annually worldwide)
- Rift Valley fever (endemic to Africa)
- St. Louis encephalitis (4,651 U.S. cases from 1964-2005; 5%-30% mortality rate)
- West Nile virus (663 cases and 30 deaths in the U.S. in 2009)
- Yellow fever (last U.S. epidemic was in New Orleans in 1905)
Product Information
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