The eggs float on the surface of the water or remain on damp soil, waiting for a flood. The unhatched eggs of some species can remain viable for months or years until the right conditions for hatching occur. The eggs of most species hatch into larvae within 48 hours. After the fourth molting, the larvae, now almost a half-inch long, become pupae. After the pupal stage, which lasts anywhere from one to four days, the adult mosquito splits the pupal case and emerges on the water surface, where it rests until its body dries and hardens.
Mosquitoes are pollinators.
As they search for and take nectar, they brush against pollen-filled anthers and distribute the pollen to other flowers. For some plants, including bog orchids in Minnesota, mosquitoes are the sole or primary pollinators. Mosquitoes will sneak sugar water from your hummingbird feeder. In all species, the females are the ones that bite. They require blood meals for protein and egg production.