There are over 2500 different species of mosquitoes throughout the world, of which 150 species occur in the United States. A single female can lay over 200 eggs at a time. Mosquito eggs can survive for more than five years. All mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although adults fequently rest in these areas during daylight hours.
Mosquitoes are responsible for more human death than any other living creature.
Top of Document Back to West Nile Virus Homepage Life Cycle of a Mosquito Mosquitoes of different species lay their eggs in a variety of water sources that range from small containers to vast expanses of marshland. The pupal stage does not feed but unlike most Insect pupae is extremely active. The adult emerges from the pupal case using air pressure and assume a terrestrial existence. Each of these stages can be easily recognized by their special appearance. Culex mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of fresh or stagnant water.