Not a species of deadly snake or a big man-eating crocodile, but rather the omnipresent and annoying mosquito is the animal killing most people annually. These microscopic airborne bloodsuckers have caused unimaginable pain across human history and spread diseases affecting 700 million individuals annually.
Mosquitoes are, therefore, our most deadly foes; hence, it is always advisable to have a better knowledge of your opponents. This post will examine the mosquito life cycle closely, possibly providing some ideas on how mosquito control Mountain Brook AL, could maintain family safety from mosquitoes.
Types of Mosquitoes
The most common types of mosquitoes include:
- Aedes albopictus (Tiger Mosquito)
Aedes albopictus, sometimes known as the Tiger Mosquito, is the most often occurring form of mosquito. Its legs show clear white stripes, and its back has a single white stripe extending from head to tail. Unlike most native mosquito species, these invading imports feed even on the hottest of days.
- Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito)
A. aegypti has white-striped limbs like those of the Tiger Mosquito, and its white lyre-shaped marks on its back help to distinguish it from its distant relative. Though it is not the only species able to transmit other diseases like Zika virus and dengue fever, this mosquito is well-known for causing yellow fever, as suggested by its name.
- Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Quads Mosquito)
Although this kind of mosquito is native to the United States, that does not lessen their annoyance! Known to transmit West Nile virus, malaria, and heartworm, this mosquito—called the quads mosquito—for the four spots observed on its wings is known to be.
- Culex quinquefasciatus (Southern House Mosquito)
Their habit of invading our houses in pursuit of a blood meal gave these small —to medium-sized brown mosquitoes their common moniker. Usually preferring warm, muddy, stagnant water, they can spread viruses, including Saint Louis encephalitis, malaria, and West Nile.
Understanding the life cycle of mosquitoes
Stage 1 – Eggs
The eggs are either close to or on top of the water’s surface. Stuck together, they create a raft. Independent eggs float on top of the water. Eggs hatch and release larvae roughly 24 to 48 hours later.
Stage 2 – Larvae
Mosquitoes spend around seven days finishing the development of the larval stage. Food and temperature conditions are important in this stage. Larvicides can be used at this point to prevent the larvae from entering the next stage, therefore helping to eradicate mosquito-carried viruses.
Stage 3 – Pupae
Though pupae at this stage start to move, they are resting and non-feeding. Pupae begin to react to light variations and move with a tail flip towards safe zones. This is the time a mosquito transforms into an adult. When a butterfly is in its development stage, this process resembles the metamorphosis experienced by butterflies.
Stage 4 – Adult
For a short time, the newly born adult remains on the water’s surface, letting itself dry and harden all of its body segments. Before she can fly, the wings should extend out and dry suitably. For a few days following pupae development into an adult, blood feeding and mating do not occur.
Both temperature and species properties define the length of every stage. While certain species naturally adapt to go through their whole life cycle in as short as 4 days or as long as 1 month, some mosquitoes might spend 14 days in their life.
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Conclusion
For millennia, mosquitoes have caused discomfort and suffering, but by knowing them better, we may better control them. Their life cycle will accelerate as our temperature rises, making mosquito control even more vital.
References:
- https://cramerpestcontrol.com/blog/understanding-the-mosquito-life-cycle/
- https://www.nemassmosquito.org/mosquitos/pages/mosquito-life-cycle
- https://www.odomosprotect.com/blog/life-cycle-of-a-mosquito
- https://www.vdci.net/blog/mosquito-life-cycle-video/
