Mosquitoes, members of the Diptera order, are notorious for their itchy bites and role as vectors for diseases like Zika and malaria.
Annually, particularly in developing regions, they claim thousands of lives. Their reproduction follows a complex life cycle, enabling massive populations despite challenges.
Over 3,500 mosquito species exist worldwide, but only a few—primarily from genera like Aedes, Ochlerotatus, and Culex—commonly bite humans.
Only fertilized female mosquitoes bite, drawing blood for proteins essential to egg development. Males feed solely on flower nectar and do not bite.
Some species mature eggs without blood, targeting animals like livestock or birds instead of humans. Males are identifiable by feathery antennae.
While life cycles are similar across species, breeding conditions vary by habitat. Adults can live several months.
Mosquitoes favor standing water—swamps, ditches, or flood-prone areas—for egg-laying. Fertilized females also seek urban food sources to support reproduction.
Reproduction starts with mating; females mate once, often in flight. For professional control, consult a mosquito management service.
Post-mating, females seek optimal temperature and humidity for egg-laying. They feed every 48 hours, producing up to 200 eggs per batch. A female surviving a month could lay 3,000 eggs, viable for 5-10 years.
Eggs are laid in rafts of 50-200 on water surfaces, hatching in one week (summer) or a month (winter). All mosquitoes begin life in water.
Larvae emerge, molt four times, then become pupae, breathing air and filtering organic matter for food.
Pupae spend about two weeks in water before emerging as adults, who initially feed on nectar. In harsh winters, larvae may pause development until spring.
Mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases like malaria, Zika, and chikungunya if untreated. The tiger mosquito appears in parts of Savoie.
Malaria comes from Anopheles bites; Zika and chikungunya from Aedes species.
They do not transmit HIV or STDs, despite biting infected individuals, due to biological barriers.
Females are the pests; males pollinate plants like bees via nectar feeding. See our guide on garden insect control.
Larvae feed fish; adults sustain birds, bats, bacteria, and other predators.
The cycle completes in under 15 days from larva to adult, lengthening in winter. Eradication measures are crucial to curb proliferation.
Use chemical or natural methods promptly. Seek medical attention for bite-related symptoms.
