Culex species mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in natural or artificial bodies of stagnant water containing organic material (e.g. failed septic systems, clogged gutters, waste tires, and containers laying around the home). The mosquito life cycle consists of four stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult). The life cycle usually takes 2–4 weeks to complete, but it can be completed in less than one week during the heat of summer. Culex species are most active at dusk and dawn during the mosquito season (in Indiana, this is usually from May to October). Only female mosquitoes bite animals and people.
Illustration: Scott Charlesworth, Purdue University.
