Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 147-160 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 148 This study is to synthesize current knowledge on the life cycle dynamics of mosquitoes under varied environmental conditions. By examining how different environmental factors influence each stage of the mosquito life cycle, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding that can aid in the development of more effective vector control strategies. This study will cover a range of mosquito species, focusing on those of significant public health importance, and will integrate findings from genetic, ecological, and physiological studies to offer a holistic view of mosquito life cycle dynamics. 2 Mosquito Life Cycle Stages 2.1Egg 2.1.1 Environmental conditions for egg laying The mosquito life cycle includes four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult (Figure 1) (Okuneye et al., 2019). This life cycle is completed in two different environments, and the egg stage is completed in an aquatic environment. The environmental conditions for egg laying are crucial for the successful reproduction of mosquitoes. Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, for instance, prefer to lay their eggs in freshwater environments, as high salinity can be lethal to their offspring (Matthews et al., 2018). The presence of water is a significant factor, and mosquitoes use both volatile cues to locate water from a distance and direct contact to evaluate its suitability for egg-laying (Matthews et al., 2018). Additionally, the pH of the water can influence egg-laying behavior, with acidic conditions (pH = 4) proving unsuitable for the development of larvae (Torres et al., 2022). Figure 1 Mosquito lifecycle (Adopted from Okuneye et al., 2019) Image caption: Immature mosquitoes pass through aquatic egg, larvae, and pupae stages, with the actively feeding larvae divided into four instar stages. Adult female mosquitoes pass through the gonotrophic cycle, by which blood meals nourish the development of new eggs (Adopted from Okuneye et al., 2019) 2.1.2 Factors influencing egg viability Egg viability is influenced by several environmental factors, including temperature and water quality. For example, the hatching rate of Aedes albopictus eggs is higher under environmental temperature variations compared to constant temperatures, suggesting that temperature fluctuations may stimulate eclosion (Monteiro et al., 2007). Furthermore, the pH of the water also plays a role, with a positive correlation observed between pH levels and the number of mosquito larvae, indicating that more neutral pH levels are favorable for egg viability (Putri et al., 2023).
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