The mosquito life cycle consists of four stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult). The life cycle usually takes 2 weeks to complete, but can take much longer, as eggs laid in late summer can survive the winter and hatch during the following season. These mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late afternoon during the mosquito season (in Indiana, this is usually from May to October). Only female mosquitoes bite animals and people. Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes normally lay their eggs above pools of water that accumulate in tree holes or in man-made containers (e.g., discarded tires). The eggs hatch when enough water accumulates to cover the eggs.
Mosquito life cycle. Illustration: Scott Charlesworth, Purdue University.
Tree hole containing water; preferred breeding site for Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes. Indiana State Department of Health.
