Why Do Mosquitoes Hatch Near Water?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do mosquitoes hatch near water?

The Big Idea

Mosquito babies are aquatic! Eggs are laid on still water. The wrigglers breathe at the surface and eat tiny bits until they become flying adults. Still water is their nursery.

Eggs on Water

Step one: eggs on water. A mosquito lays a raft of eggs on still water, like a puddle or a damp edge. Still water will not wash them away, so a puddle or a clogged gutter is enough.

Wriggler Hatches, Breathes at the Surface

Step two: a wriggler hatches, and breathes at the surface. The baby mosquito, called a wriggler, swims in the water. It has a little breathing tube called a siphon, which meets the air at the surface. It eats tiny bits of food.

Pupa Rests, Adult Flies

Step three: the pupa rests, and the adult flies. The wriggler changes into a comma-shaped stage called a pupa. After that, the adult comes out, dries its wings, and flies away. Only some adult mosquitoes bite, and many feed on plant nectar.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a puddle nursery! Eggs float on the surface of the water. The wriggler hangs below, breathing through its siphon. And later, the adult flies up and out.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Only some adult mosquitoes bite. Many feed on plant nectar. Empty saucers and buckets after rain. Screens and long sleeves help at dusk. Don't use household chemicals in a living pond. Dump containers, and see a grown-up for bite care.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, hunt for standing water around a yard. Which container could be a nursery? What happens if you empty it? Tip out any water you find, every week.

Outro

No still water, no nursery, and fewer mosquitoes! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!