Several flooding and drying cycles are usually required for all of the eggs laid by one female to hatch. Other mosquitoes, such as Anopheles and Culex sp., lay eggs directly on the surface of water. Larvae generally feed on microorganisms and organic material in the water, but some mosquitoes prey on the larvae of other mosquito species and are regarded as beneficial. Several days after emerging from the water, the female mosquito begins to seek an animal for a blood meal before laying eggs. Most female mosquitoes prefer warm-blooded animals, including people, birds, and livestock, although some species prefer to feed on amphibians and reptiles.
Male mosquitoes mate with females one to two days after the females emerge.
Males do not bite, but they do feed on plant juices. Since the habitat requirements of mosquito species are known, proper identification of the mosquitoes can be used to obtain information on where to search for and identify likely breeding sites. Collect some mosquito specimens for identification. If possible, collect several dozen specimens. Place the jar in a freezer overnight.