Which genus of mosquitoes lays their eggs in rafts on top of the water?

The genus of mosquitoes that lays their eggs in rafts on top of the water is Culex. Culex mosquitoes are known for their specific reproductive behavior in which females lay clusters of eggs that float on the water's surface, forming a distinctive raft-like structure. This adaptation helps the eggs to remain buoyant and provides them with a greater chance of survival by keeping the eggs away from potential predators and ensuring that they remain in a suitable aquatic environment when they hatch.

In contrast, other genera of mosquitoes have different egg-laying behaviors. For example, Aedes mosquitoes typically lay their eggs individually or in small clusters in places that may dry out, such as in tree holes or artificial containers. Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs singly, often on the water surface but without forming rafts. Toxorhynchites, on the other hand, are not a typical vector for diseases and do not lay eggs in water like the others, as they are predatory mosquitoes. Understanding these differences is essential in public health, particularly in vector control and the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.