A QUICK LOOK
AT MOSQUITO BIOLOGY
Mosquitoes are insects
(actually they are a type of fly) with slender bodies, delicate
legs, and wings with scales. The mosquito life cycle is an example
of what is called "complete metamorphosis". There are
four distinct stages in the life of a 
mosquito.
These stages are:
Eggs are laid by the
female mosquito. They can be laid singly or in rafts; on the surface
of the water, on the sides of containers, or on damp soil. After the
eggs hatch the larvae, or wrigglers, swim in the water and feed on
small plants or animals. There are four growth phases in the larva's
life, called instars. All instars must come to the surface of the
water to breathe, with the exception of a few specialized mosquitoes.
At the end of the fourth larval instar, the pupa emerges. Pupae do
not feed, but they must come to the surface to breathe. After a short
time, generally only a day or two, the adult mosquito emerges from
the pupa, dries its body in the air, and flies away. Only female mosquitoes
bite, and they use the blood to nourish their eggs. Male and female
mosquitoes feed on sugars. After mating and taking a blood meal, a
female mosquito will lay her eggs and begin the cycle once again.
Mosquito larvae have bodies that are covered with bristles. 
They
have a siphon at the tail end of the body. The siphon permits the
larvae to breathe by penetrating the surface of the water and allowing
the larvae to breathe air directly from the atmosphere. Oils and monomolecular
films prevent the larvae from breathing; they die from suffocation.
Mosquito pupae also
have bristles on their bodies.
Some of these bristles allow the pupae to float directly below the
surface of the water. The pupae breathe by using their respiratory
"trumpets" to draw air directly from the atmosphere. Like
larvae, pupae can be killed by cutting off their access to the atmosphere
with oils or monomolecular films.
Mosquitoes In SW Florida
Over 40 species of mosquitoes
have been collected in the Florida Keys. However, only a few of these
cause the majority of the problems experienced by SW Florida residents.
The most important species are discussed below.
Ochlerotatus
taeniorhynchus
Known as the black saltmarsh
mosquito, this species is a pest wherever there are salt marshes.
In the eastern United States it occurs from south Texas north to New
Hampshire. The name refers to the white ring on the proboscis. It
is a fierce biter, and will bite day or night. This mosquito can produce
enormous broods which can emerge synchronously, and then migrate several
miles. The vast majority of mosquito complaints in the SW Florida
are due to this mosquito.
Culex
quinquefasciatus
This is the southern house
mosquito. 
It is found throughout the southern
half of the United States. Its name refers to five lines that can
be seen on the body. It prefers to lay its eggs in small collections
of water, and it will utilize water that is polluted with organic
material. This mosquito enters houses readily, hence its name, and
can be an annoying pest at night, not only with its bite but with
its high-pitched buzz. The southern house mosquito can transmit dog
heartworm and St. Louis encephalitis.
Aedes
aegypti
This is the yellow fever
mosquito. It transmits yellow fever and dengue, as well as dog heartworm.
In the United States it is found from southern Texas to South Carolina.
This mosquito is a container breeder. Small amounts of water are preferred
sites for egg laying. Old tires, clogged gutters, pet dishes, and
bird baths are just some of the many sites where this mosquito will
lay its eggs.
