Mosquitoes are found all over the world, except in Antarctica. These two-winged insects belong to the order Diptera. Members of the genera Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes are most commonly responsible for bites in humans. There are approximately 170 species of mosquitoes in North America alone.

Mosquitoes require an environment of standing water. As a group, they have adapted to complete their life cycle in diverse aquatic habitats, including fresh water; salt water marshes; brackish water; or water found in containers, old tires, or tree holes.

The life cycle of the mosquito has four stages. The female mosquito lays her eggs, up to several hundred at a time, on the surface of the water or in an area subject to flooding. Unhatched eggs of some species can withstand weeks to months of desiccation, remaining viable until the right conditions for hatching occur. The eggs of most species hatch within 48 hours, and the larvae feed on organic matter in the water for about a week until they change into pupae. The pupae live at the surface of the water for 1 to 4 days before metamorphosing into adult mosquitoes.

Only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes feed primarily on flower nectar, whereas female mosquitoes require a blood meal to produce eggs. They usually feed every 3 to 4 days; in a single feeding, a female mosquito typically consumes more than its own weight in blood. Certain species of mosquitoes prefer to feed at twilight or nighttime; others bite mostly during the day.

Do all mosquitoes carry West Nile virus?

While there are many different species of mosquitoes, only a small proportion actually carry West Nile virus.

Why are some people bitten more than others?

There are many things that attract mosquitoes: colognes, perfumes and scented body lotions can attract mosquitoes. Dark-colored clothing is also more attractive to mosquitoes. During evenings, nighttime and dawn, mosquitoes are most active in searching for blood meals, so people outdoors during that time are more likely to be bitten.

How far can a mosquito fly?

Depending on the species, adult mosquitoes can fly several miles with help from the wind. Culex pipiens has a travel range of up to three miles.

How long do adult mosquitoes live?

Generally, adult female mosquitoes have a life span of 2 weeks to one month while adult male mosquitoes only live one week but, when conditions are right can be as short as 72 hours.

What is the life cycle of a mosquito?

A mosquito goes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. This life cycle, from birth to death, is about one month long.

What is the egg phase of a mosquito?

Eggs are laid in clusters and float on the surface of water. They can be stuck together in rafts of hundreds, or laid separately on water or flooded soil. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours.

What is the larval stage?

Mosquito larvae live in water from 4 to 14 days depending on the water temperature. They come to the surface frequently to get oxygen. They feed on algae and small organisms living in the water. The larva sheds its skin four times while it grows. After the fourth time, the larva becomes a pupa, the stage before the mosquito becomes an adult.

What is the pupal stage?

The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage. Mosquito pupae must live in water from 1 to 4 days, depending on the species and water temperature. When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.



The newly emerged adult mosquito rests on the surface of the water for a short time to dry and allow all its parts to harden.

Why do mosquitoes make a buzzing noise?

Mosquitoes flutter their wings very fast, some as much as 250 times per second, producing a high-pitched buzz.