Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 08/05/2018 16:53:59

Title: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: katieHaylor on 08/05/2018 16:53:59
Amir asks:

Where are flies or mosquitoes in autumn and winter?
We don't see them during these seasons, they show up in spring and summer.


Can you help?
Title: Re: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: miniguy on 09/05/2018 22:41:47
I assume they die off but leave their eggs/larvae behind in the soil and water which will hatch in the spring.
Title: Re: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: Janus on 09/05/2018 23:29:39
Life span of a typical flay ~1 month. Life span of a female mosquito ( under optimum conditions) ~ 2 months. ( the males only live 10 days)  So as, miniguy said, they lay their eggs, die off, and in spring, the next generation arises.
Title: Re: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: Paul.D on 15/05/2018 21:48:25
The lifespan of a male mosquito is up to 10 days, and then it dies after mating. The males never make it past the fall. The female mosquitoes spend the colder months inactive in protected places, such as hollow logs or animal burrows. It is fair to say the mosquito enters a period of dormancy, similar to a bear or squirrel hibernating for the winter. She can hibernate for up to six months.

Certain mosquitoes can survive the winter in the larval and pupal stage. All mosquito larvae and pupae require water, even in winter. As the water temperature drops, the mosquito larvae enter a state of diapause, suspending further development and slowing metabolism. Development resumes when the water warms again.
Title: Re: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: Bored chemist on 16/05/2018 19:35:26
"Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?"
Not far enough!
Title: Re: Where do flies and mosquitoes go in winter?
Post by: rami999 on 13/08/2018 19:09:23
they die
and then the next generation bite you haha