The diagram delineates the life cycle of the female mosquito, from the egg stage through to adulthood.
Overall, the process is cyclical, spanning a total of 6 to 8 weeks, and encompasses seven distinct developmental stages: egg, four larval instars, pupa, and adult.
During the initial weeks, eggs are laid and develop into the first larval stage in week 2, characterized by a small size. Subsequently, the larva undergoes three successive molts, increasing in size with each stage: the second larval stage in week 3, the third in week 4, and the fourth in week 5. All larval stages are aquatic.
In the remaining phase, the fourth larval stage transitions into the pupal stage in week 6, also aquatic, during which molting occurs. By weeks 7 to 8, an adult female mosquito emerges. Finally, the adult reproduces by laying eggs, thereby perpetuating the cycle.
