However, the nematodes are reported to be positively thigmotactic and negatively geotactic, which greatly increases their chance of contacting a suitable mosquito host. Upon successful contact, the preparasite attaches to the host by means of a stylet and enters the hemocoel through a hole made in the host's cuticle, an activity that requires about five minutes. The parasitic stage begins development soon after the nematode enters the host. In the latter stages of parasitic development, the nematode can be seen inside the host, either wrapped transversely around the thorax or folded longitudinally extending the entire length of the thorax and abdomen ventral to the alimentary canal. The nematode then molts to the postparasitic stage, ruptures the hosts cuticle, and emerges.
Emergence is always fatal to the larval host.
After emergence, the postparasitic nematodes burrow in the soil where they require seven or more days to mature to the adult stage. Soon after molting, adults mate and females begin to lay eggs. A single female lays about 2,500 eggs over a 10-15 day period. The entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 3 to 6 weeks. Preparasites and postparasites have been released in a number of mosquito habitats.