Mosquito Information
Life Cycle
The eggs of various mosquito groups are laid on or near bodies of water. Mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles lay single eggs that float on the water's surface. Aedes mosquitoes also lay single eggs; however, they are laid above the water line and are hatched when the water level rises. Culex mosquitoes lay their eggs in groups or rafts on the surface of the water. The larvae hatch from the eggs within hours and begin filter-feeding on decaying plant matter. They breathe at the water's surface through a specialized siphon tube. Within a few days to several months, they develop into pupae. Pupae are the final non-feeding larval stage that metamorphose or change into the adult form. Pupae also breathe at the surface and require several days to develop. When the adult mosquito emerges, it takes several days to rest and harden its outer cuticle. After about a week, adult females begin searching for a host. The blood meal is used to make a batch of eggs which are then deposited on or near water. The female will then seek another bloodmeal. Although the male mosquito doesn't seek a bloodmeal, it does require a sugar meal. The females will also sugar feed on nectar between bloodmeals. Adult mosquitoes are alive for several weeks to several months, depending upon numerous environmental conditions.
To learn more about specific mosquitoes found in Rhode Island or the history of mosquito control, follow the links on the top-left side of the page.