Life Cycle of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes
Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes
It takes about 7-10 days for an egg to develop into an adult mosquito.
Life stages of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus
Eggs
Eggs look like black dirt.
- Adult, female mosquitoes lay eggs on the inner walls of containers with water, above the waterline.
- Eggs stick to container walls like glue. They can survive drying out for up to 8 months. Mosquito eggs can even survive a winter in the southern United States.
- Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay eggs. Bowls, cups, fountains, tires, barrels, vases, and any other container storing water make a great “nursery.”
Larvae
Larvae live in water
- Larvae live in the water. They hatch from mosquito eggs. This happens when water (from rain or a sprinkler) covers the eggs.
- Larvae can be seen in the water. They are very active and are often called “wigglers.”
Pupae
A pupa in the water
- Pupae live in the water. An adult mosquito emerges from the pupa and flies away.
Adult
An adult mosquito bites a person
- Adult female mosquitoes bite people and animals. Mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs.
- After feeding, female mosquitoes look for water sources to lay eggs.
- Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus don’t fly long distances. In its lifetime, these mosquitoes will only fly within a few blocks.
- Ae. aegypti mosquitoes prefer to live near and bite people.
- Because Ae. albopictus mosquitoes bite people and animals, they can live in or near homes or in neighboring woods.
- Ae. aegypti mosquitoes live indoors and outdoors, while Ae. albopictus live outdoors.
Related Resources
Mosquito Life Cycle: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus
Page last reviewed: June 21, 2022