The Mozzie Life Cycle, Their Physical Features & Behaviour

The Life Cycle of Mozzies

The first three stages of the mosquito life cycle occur in water. The adult mosquito is an active flying insect. Only the female mosquitoes bite and feed on the blood of humans. She also feeds off other animals.

After she has had her blood meal, the female mosquito lays the eggs onto or near water. She also lays her eggs on soil. The female mosquito sometimes lays her eggs at the base of some plants that may fill with water. Mosquito eggs can survive dry conditions for a few months. In some instances, it could be years!

1. Let's Learn More About Mozzie Eggs.

Female mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. These eggs are laid in batches (rafts). They are also laid individually. The way she lays her eggs is dependent on the species.

• The female mosquito lays her eggs on the surface of still water. She also lays them along the water's edge.
• Mosquito eggs are found in tree holes and in spots where flooding occurs. This mostly depends on flooding or irrigation.
• The eggs hatch within a few days, depending on the species. It also depends on the temperature.
• Where flooding takes place, the female lays her eggs outside water. Eggs are often dormant. Sometimes it takes years to hatch. Hatching depends on meeting perfect, natural conditions.
• Overwintering is common in the egg stage.
• Some species overwinter during the adult or larvae stages.

2. Unpacking the Mosquito Larval Stage.

The moment the egg hatches, the mosquito enters the larval stage. Most larvae hang in suspension from the surface of the water. The reason for this is that they must breathe.

• A tube for breathing, called the siphon, acts as a kind of snorkel. The siphon extends from the posterior of the larvae to the surface of the water.
• Only once the eggs hatch does the mosquitoes enter the larval stage.
• Mosquito larvae live in water, surfacing to breathe in air. Of special interest is that larvae can dive deep into the water as a defence mechanism.
• The larvae, when alarmed, dive in an "s" motion. Therefore, we refer to larvae as wrigglers or wigglers.
• The larva moults numerous times.
• Aquatic microorganisms feed the larvae. This takes place near the surface of the water.
• As the larvae develop and become bigger, they moult by shedding their exterior.
• They then grown a new exoskeleton. The in-between moulting stages are called instars. Larvae have 4 instars. Each stage ranges from 4 to 14 days.
• The instar period depends on the species. It also depends on the water temperature and the availability of food.

3. The Pupal Stage (Tumbler Stage Just Before Adulthood).

The pupal stage of the mosquito is just before it becomes an adult. We also refer to this as the tumbler stage.

• No feeding takes place during the pupal stage.
• However, the pupa still needs to breathe in air on the water surface.
• The pupa is light-sensitive. If exposed to sunlight, it could die.
• Pupation lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks.
• Adults will then emerge.

4. What Are the Physical Characteristics of Adult Female Mosquitoes?

• Adult female mosquitoes vary in size. Some are small, yet others are larger.
• Size varies according to species.
• Body length determines the size of the adult. This is the distance from head to tip of abdomen.

Adult Male Mosquitoes

Males are larger than females. Male mosquitoes differ from females. It is only the females that bite humans. The sole purpose of the male mosquito is to reproduce.

What Else Is Unique About Mozzies?

1. Mosquitoes are one of the most adaptable insects on Earth.
2. We find these in some of the most unusual places.
3. All bodies of water are a perfect draw card to these tenacious insects. Water, whether man-made or natural, supports the reproduction of mosquitoes.
4. Mosquitoes are found at extremely high altitudes.
5. They are also present in mines deep beneath the surface of the earth.
6. Of special interest is that not every mosquito is dangerous, and not every mosquito is a vector.
7. Only some species are vectors. A vector is an animal or insect that carries diseases and spreads these to animals and humans.
8. Many mosquitoes bite, but don't cause any harm.

Getting Rid of Mozzies One Stage at a Time.

• Control mosquito populations at every stage of their life cycle.
• Larval stage: Kill mozzies at the larval stage by removing any stagnant water. Clean away dead plant matter surrounding water pools. Spray the areas around pools with natural mosquito insecticides.
• Pupal stage: When mosquitoes enter the pupal stage, they are dormant. At this stage, they undergo physical changes and cannot feed. Remove all standing water wherever possible.
• Once they start flying, you'll need other types of mosquito repellent to stop them biting you.

Beat the Buzz this Summer with Mozzie Patches!

Mozzie Patches stops mozzies in their tracks! Enjoy a mosquito-free environment by preventing breeding mosquitoes wherever possible.