There are 279 known species , subspecies and varieties of mosquitoes in the Philippines, but 3 are most widely known due to their medical importance as vectors of deadly diseases : these are Culex sp. ((Filariasis), Anopheles sp. (Malaria) and Aedes sp.(Dengue)There are 279 known species , subspecies and varieties of mosquitoes in the Philippines, but 3 are most widely known due to their medical importance as vectors of deadly diseases : these are Culex sp. ((Filariasis), Anopheles sp. (Malaria) and Aedes sp.(Dengue).

Each of this species  goes through four separate and distinct stages of its life cycle and they are as follows: Egg, Larva, pupa, and adult. Each of these stages can be easily recognized by their special appearance.

Egg : Eggs are laid one at a time and they float on the surface of the water. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours. 

Larva : The larva (larvae - plural) live in the water and come to the surface to breathe. They shed their skin four times growing larger after each molting. Most larvae have siphon tubes for breathing and hang from the water surface. On the fourth molt the larva changes into a pupa.

Pupa: The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage. This is the time the mosquito turns into an adult. It takes about two days before the adult is fully developed. When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.

Adult: The newly emerged adult rests on the surface of the water for a short time to allow itself to dry and all its parts to harden. Also, the wings have to spread out and dry properly before it can fly.

The egg, larvae and pupae stages depend on temperature and species characteristics as to how long it takes for development.