Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito, is easily recognizable by its distinctive black and white striped legs and body. This species is notorious for its aggressive daytime biting behavior and its role as a vector for various infectious diseases.
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Insecta
ORDER
:
Diptera
FAMILY
:
Culicidae
GENUS
:
Aedes
SPECIES
:
Aedes albopictus
Other Information
Venomous?
The Asian Tiger Mosquito does not produce poison. However, it can transmit pathogens through its saliva when it bites, which can lead to diseases in humans.
A Danger to Humans?
Aedes albopictus is considered a significant public health threat because it can spread diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and yellow fever. Its ability to breed in small amounts of stagnant water makes it particularly effective at spreading within urban environments.
Population Status
The population size of the Asian Tiger Mosquito is vast and growing, especially in urban and suburban areas where small water collections are common. Its adaptability to various climates and environments has allowed it to spread rapidly across the globe.
Life Span:
The life span of an individual mosquito is relatively short, typically about two to three weeks, but can extend up to a month in captivity. The lifespan can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.
Weight and Length:
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes are small, with adults typically measuring about 2 to 10 mm in length. They weigh only a fraction of a gram.
Distribution:
Originally from Southeast Asia, Aedes albopictus has spread to many parts of the world, including the United States, Southern Europe, and Latin America. It thrives in both tropical and temperate regions.
Habits and Lifestyle:
This mosquito is diurnal, with peak biting activity in the early morning and before dusk. It is highly adaptable and can breed in a wide range of water-holding containers, from natural rain-filled hollows to man-made items like buckets and old tires.
Diet and Nutrition:
Female Asian Tiger Mosquitoes require blood meals to develop fertile eggs. They are opportunistic feeders and will bite humans and many different kinds of mammals and birds. Males, however, feed on nectar and do not bite.
Mating Habits:
Mating typically occurs shortly after females and males emerge from their pupal stage. Females often mate only once and are able to produce several batches of eggs during their lifetime, laying them near or on water surfaces in containers that can hold even small amounts of water.