What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?
The lifespan of a mosquito is one to two months. During this short period of time, a mosquito is constantly reproducing and contributing to the growth of their population. After the mosquito eggs hatch, the larvae turn into pupae and eventually become adults in about 14 days.
From there, the adult mosquitoes will breed and lay eggs to start the cycle over. At the end of their life cycle, mosquitoes will die off when it begins to get cold outside, are eaten by a predator, or naturally in about one to two months.
4 Steps in the Mosquito Life Cycle
The mosquito life cycle takes about 14 days. In general, the mosquito breeding process is as follows:
- In order to reproduce, mosquitoes require a blood meal. After feeding, they will lay their eggs on or near stagnant water.
- Mosquito eggs hatch within 24 to 72 hours. When the larvae emerge from the eggs, they are typically seen wiggling in the water. The larvae will feed on algae, protozoans, and other organic material.
- After about a week or 10 days, the larvae reach the pupal stage. Instead of feeding, the pupae spend a couple of days at the surface of the water to get used to the air.
- About three days after the pupal stage begins, the adult mosquito emerges. Only a day later, the adult mosquitoes are able to breed. Female mosquitoes can reproduce and lay eggs for most of her lifetime.
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Can Mosquitoes Live For a Long Time?
How long a mosquito can live for depends on a number of factors. Male mosquitoes, which feed off of the nectar of plants, live typically for a week or two. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, can live for over a month. Mosquito eggs, if they do not hatch, can survive for months at a time before hatching. Although mosquitoes have a relatively short life cycle, their rapid rate of reproduction keeps mosquito populations at a constant during the summer months.
When Do Mosquitoes Die Off?
Unlike some stinging insects, mosquitoes will not die after they’ve bitten someone. On the contrary, female mosquitoes can continually bite and feed on victims. Most mosquitoes naturally die after a month or two. Entire populations usually die off when the warmer temperatures of spring and summer come to an end. This is because mosquitoes cannot function at temperatures less than 50 degrees. Females can occasionally hibernate, and unhatched eggs can survive the winter in rare cases.
What is the Lifespan of a Mosquito? in Vermont
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