The diagram illustrates the life cycle of a female mosquito from the initial egg stage to full maturity.
Overall, the lifespan consists of a series of the developmental stages and lasts approximately 6 to 8 weeks, beginning with egg laying and ending with a mature adult capable of reproduction.
Initially, beginning life as eggs in the first week. After an incubation period of seven days, the eggs hatch into larvae. From week two to week five, the mosquito progresses through four separate larval stages. During this period, the larvae undergo continuous growing, becoming longer in size and more developed with each stage. This phase is characterised by gradual physical changes rather than sudden transformation.
Progressing to the next stage of the lifespan, the mosquito enters the pupal stage in week six. At this stage, the pupal starts to grow into maturity, unlike the earlier stages. Finally, a young female mosquito emerges from a pupal. In this final phase, which occurs between weeks seven and eight, the female mosquito is fully developed and capable of reproduction, allowing the entire life cycle to repeat.