Description

Adult mosquitoes are small and fragile, ranging in body length from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. The head is small and globular with a large pair of compound eyes. Protruding from the head are long, thin, piercing-sucking mouthparts and a pair of antennae that are hairy on the female and feathery or bushy on the male. The wings are long and narrow and held along the body when the insect is at rest. The wings have small scales along the veins and along the hind margin. The legs are long and thin. The body is held in a perched position when at rest. The body and legs usually are covered with scales. The larvae are commonly known as wigglers and the pupae as tumblers.

Life Cycle

Egg, larva, pupa and adult

Where To Look

Mosquitoes require water for larvae and pupae to develop, although a moist substrate may permit development of the pupa of some species. Eggs of some species may survive long periods out of water under conditions varying from humid to dry but require water for larvae to hatch. Locate standing water around areas where adult mosquitoes are found.