Egg

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, often up to several hundred at a time, because the eggs can only hatch when exposed to water. Different mosquito species prefer different aqueous habitats, ranging from flood plains to standing water in a tire near someone’s home.

Larva

The mosquito eggs develop into larvae, commonly known as “wigglers.” Generally, they hang upside down from the surface of the water they hatched in and breathe through a siphon tube. With limited mobility, wigglers make an easy feast for creatures such as fish, frogs and salamanders. But even before they can fly they can do more than just get eaten. They filter organic matter in the water, digesting decaying leaves and other microorganisms and excreting nitrogen and other nutrients that encourage plant growth.

Pupa

Larvae grow and molt four times before changing into pupa. At this stage, they are also known as “tumblers,” having gained a tail that can propel them through the water. As pupa they pause their feeding habits and rest while they undergo metamorphosis. In about two days they emerge from the surface of the water as adult mosquitoes.

Adult

After drying off, the adult mosquito flies away. For nourishment, mosquitoes feed on nectar from fruits, flowers and other plants. Along with other flying insects, mosquitoes are useful pollinators. So, next time you see a blooming flower, remember it could be the result of that otherwise pesky mosquito. Flowers also are a food source for animals such as birds, bats and dragonflies.