Mosquito’s cycle of life By: Jonathan and Esteban Image by Esteban and Jonathan

Comparison of Species  Butterflies  Start in larva stage (caterpillar)  Cocoon (pupa)  Break out into adult  Some drink blood  Dragonflies  Larva stage in still water also (4 years)  Break out of shell to become adult Source: Image by: eding_butterflies_5362.JPG

Background  Mosquito’s four main stages  Egg  Larva  Pupa  Adult Source: Image by Esteban and Jonathan

Egg Source: Image by Esteban

Larva Source: Image by Jonathan

Pupa  Aka: Tumblers  1-4 day life cycle  Float on surface  2 Breathing tubes called Trumpets  Doesn’t eat  “Burst Open” into adult Source: Image by Jonathan

Adult  Aka: Imago  Males feed on nectar of plants  Females need a “blood feast” to lay eggs  After feeding, they will rest, 3 days to make eggs  Anopheles only type to transfer Malaria  Time of attacks vary to species  Aggressiveness also depends on species Source: Image by Jonathan

Mortality Rate in Stages  Egg rarely die  live for 1 day  look like algae  Larva highest mortality rate  High starting population  very small changes could suffocate.  Pupa also rarely die  lasts a couple days  don’t even need to eat  Adult second highest mortality rate  females are often targeted  few can identify a male Source: Image by: g+mosquito&hl=en&biw=1366&b

Mosquito Facts  3,000 species worldwide  47 species in Connecticut, largest grouping US  Got rid of bats  Mosquitos coldblooded, wont bite below 50 ° F  Hibernating Mosquitos live 6-8 months  2-3 months normally Source: m Image from: hotos/mozambique/lg_moz5.jpg

Conclusion  Butterflies, Dragonflies similar cycles  Four life cycles  Egg  Larva  Pupa  Adult  Specific species vary Source: Image By: HumanServices/images/11882Life%20Cyc le%20Mosquito-Final.JPG