|
Life stages of Culex species mosquitoes
Eggs
• Adult, female mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of fresh or
stagnant water. Water sources can include barrels, horse troughs,
ornamental ponds, unmaintained swimming pools, puddles,
creeks, ditches, and marshy areas.
• A female Culex mosquito lays eggs one at a time. Eggs stick
together to form a raft of 100 to 300 eggs. The raft floats on the
water.
Larva
• Larvae hatch from mosquito eggs and live in water.
• Larvae can be seen in the water. They are very active and are
often called “wigglers.”
• They feed on materials found in the water.
• Larvae shed their skin (molt) several times during this stage.
Pupa
• Pupae live in water. Pupae do not have external mouthparts
and do not feed during this stage.
• An adult mosquito emerges from a pupa and flies away.
Adult
• Adult female mosquitoes bite people and animals. Mosquitoes
need blood to produce eggs.
• After blood feeding, female mosquitoes look for water sources
to lay eggs. Several days pass between feeding and looking for a
place to lay eggs.
• Culex mosquitoes don’t fly long distances, but have been known
to fly up to 2 miles (3.2 km).
• Some Culex mosquitoes prefer to live near and bite birds. They
bite people when other animals are not nearby.
• Because Culex bite animals and people, they live outdoors or
near homes.
|
p