What is the first step in the life cycle of a mosquito?

The first step in the life cycle of a mosquito is laying eggs on stagnant water. This is a critical stage because mosquitoes require a water source for their eggs to develop. Female mosquitoes typically find areas of stagnant water, such as ponds, marshes, or containers that collect rainwater, where they can lay their eggs.

After the eggs are laid, they will hatch into larvae, which then progress through various stages before becoming pupae and eventually emerging as adult mosquitoes. The choice of stagnant water is essential as it provides the necessary environment for the eggs to survive and develop into the next life stage. Understanding this step is fundamental in pest control practices since targeting mosquito breeding sites can effectively reduce the mosquito population in an area.