What does a mosquito egg do when exposed to water?

When a mosquito egg is exposed to water, it typically hatches into a larva. This is a critical part of the mosquito life cycle. Mosquito eggs are designed to survive in dry conditions and hatch when they come into contact with water, which is essential for the larvae's development. The timing of hatching can depend on various factors, such as water temperature and the species of mosquito.

When the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and live in the water, where they undergo several growth stages before eventually maturing into adult mosquitoes. This process emphasizes the importance of water sources for mosquito breeding and population growth. As such, understanding the life cycle of mosquitoes is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at controlling mosquito populations and preventing diseases they may transmit.