Stage 1 - Eggs
Mosquitoes lay their eggs on top or at the edge of standing water. Depending on the type of species, some mosquitoes lay their eggs one by one, while other mosquitoes lay their eggs in groups called egg rafts. An egg raft looks like a tiny black sesame seed floating on the water, while single eggs may look like specks of dirt on the side of a container.
Stage 2 - Larva
When the conditions are right, the eggs hatch into larvae, also called "wigglers." Larvae eat bacteria and tiny organisms in the water to grow. As they get bigger, they shed their skin several times before transforming into pupae.
Stage 3 - Pupa
The pupa, also known as a "tumbler," is the resting stage of the mosquito life cycle. Unlike larvae, pupae do not eat. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly inside a cocoon, the mosquito pupa is changing into a flying adult mosquito.
Stage 4 - Adult
When the transformation is finished (also known as metamorphosis), the adult mosquito comes out of the pupa. This is called "emerging." The flying mosquito rests on the water’s surface for a few hours to let its wings dry and its body harden. Once fully ready, male mosquitoes look for nectar and pollen, while female mosquitoes look for blood to make her eggs. After feeding, the female lays her eggs on top or at the edge of standing water, starting the life cycle all over again.