In what stage does Aedes vexans survive the winter?

Aedes vexans, a species of mosquito, predominantly survives the winter in the egg stage. This adaptation is crucial for its life cycle, as the eggs are capable of enduring cold temperatures and remain viable during the harsh winter months. When conditions become favorable—typically in the spring when temperatures rise and water becomes available—the eggs hatch, leading to the emergence of larvae.

This survival strategy allows Aedes vexans to effectively exploit seasonal changes, ensuring that they are positioned to take advantage of warmer months for reproduction. Other life stages, such as adults, larvae, or pupae, do not have the same level of resilience to extreme environmental conditions, which is why these stages are not suitable for winter survival in this species. The ability of the eggs to withstand freezing temperatures provides a significant evolutionary advantage for the continuation of the species.