Mosquito Biology

New England is home to several mosquito species, including the Eastern Saltmarsh mosquito and the Asian Tiger mosquito. Each species has unique behaviors and habitats.

Mosquitoes are small flying insects with large front and rear legs (relative to their entire body) and slender body segments that are classified as “flies.” There are key differences between male and female mosquitoes. Like most flies, male mosquitoes usually only live 5-7 days after emerging as adults and mating. Males do not seek out blood for food; they rely strictly on nectar or plant sugars. Males will form large swarms at dusk in spring and summer and females will fly into these swarms to mate. Females will seek out a blood host (they’re ectoparasites of all mammals) only when she has been impregnated, otherwise she consumes plant sugars for energy. Once a blood meal is found she will rest under plant leaves and vegetation while she digests. The female will then lay her eggs and begin the process again. Most females will die within 2 or 3 weeks naturally and the process occurs over and over during the summer months. 

Like all flies, mosquitoes undergo the same four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The second and third stages are aquatic. Depending on the particular species, the female mosquito lays her eggs, either individually or in attached groups called “rafts.” The word mosquito is Spanish and means "little fly." Male mosquitos do not feed on blood but rather nectar from flowers. Female mosquitos suck blood for egg development.