What are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects known for their biting and blood-sucking habit. They belong to the family Culicidae and have over 3500 species. They have a life span of around two weeks and are most active during dawn and dusk. Despite their tiny size, mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest creatures on Earth due to their disease-spreading capability.
Mosquito Life Cycle
The life cycle of a mosquito involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. It starts when a female lays her eggs on water surfaces. These eggs hatch into larvae that live in water and feed on organic matter. After a while, the larvae transform into pupae, which is a resting stage. Finally, the pupae emerge as adult mosquitoes ready to fly. The process takes 7 to 10 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Common Mosquito Species in California
As the name suggests, these wasps prefer to live alone rather than in colonies. Each female wasp is fertile and lays her eggs. Some types of solitary wasps include:
Aedes aegypti
Also known as the Yellow Fever Mosquito, this species is commonly found in urban areas of California. Known for their black and white striped body, they are daytime biters and can spread diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever.
Culex pipiens
The Northern House Mosquito, Culex pipiens, is prevalent throughout California. They are brown in color and active during the night. They can carry West Nile virus and other diseases.
Anopheles freeborni
This mosquito species is native to the western United States, including California. They are most active at dusk and dawn and are potential carriers of malaria.
