TIGER MOSQUITOES

Tiger mosquitoes are several closely related species from the same genus: • The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) • The Yellow fever mosquito, also dengue mosquito or Egyptian tiger mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Stegymyia aegypti) • The Polynesian tiger mosquito, Aedes polynesiensis (Stegomyia polynesiensis). Tiger mosquitoes are widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, partly also in the Mediterranean area. Tiger mosquitoes are considered to be the vectors for diseases like chikungunya fever, dengue fever and Zika. The life cycle of tiger mosquitoes The life cycle of the Asian tiger mosquito and the Yellow fever mosquito are very similar. The eggs are resistant to heat and dryness and are deposited in natural and artificial containers subject to flooding. When eggs are covered by water, the larvae hatch. They hang at the surface of the water and breathe through a snorkel-like siphon at the tip of the abdomen. There are four larval stages that feed on organic material that they filter out of the water with their mouthparts. The fourth-stage larva changes into a pupa, that hangs at the surface of the water and breathes air through two snorkel-like siphons at the front end. The pupa is a non-feeding stage where the mosquito changes from the larval form into an adult insect, or imago.  The adult mosquito emerges from the pupa and normally feed on sweet plant juices and nectar to meet their energy requirement. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood, which they need to produce their eggs. The Asian Tiger Mosquito The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is originally from Southeast Asia. In the last 30 years it has invaded many countries around the world, including various regions in the Americas and the Mediterranean. In North America they adapted to the colder climate so that they now can be found as far north as the Great Lakes region. A primary reason for the wide distribution is that the Asian tiger mosquito moves easily in shipments of plants and used tires across the world. A detailed distribution of Aedes albopictus in Europe (as of July 2015) developed by   ECDC/VBORNET  (European Centre for Desease Prevention and Control) is shown below. Behaviour Unlike most other mosquitoes, this species is a day biter and unusually aggressive. This is why it has become a major pest in many communities. Female tiger mosquitoes normally lay their eggs in natural or artificial containers filled with water. Flower pots, vases, buckets, water barrels, discarded tires, rain gutters, or even discarded cups with water in them are used as breeding sites.  Their eggs are tolerant to periods of drought, making the Asian tiger mosquito is perfectly adapted to the urban environment. What diseases do the Asian tiger mosquitoes transmit? Asian tiger mosquitoes are considered to be an important transmitting organism, or vector, of a disease called  Link to external sitechikungunya fever. They can also transmit the disease Link to external sitedengue fever and Zika fever .  The Asian tiger mosquito bites humans, as well as, birds and other animals. This is why scientists consider it a potential bridge vector, meaning that it may pick up disease agents from animals and transmit them to humans. Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito / Asiatische Tigermücke) Grafic from I. Schleip, Biogents AG Characteristics The dark-colored Asian tiger mosquito is about 3-10 mm length. A single silvery-white line that begins on the head and continues down the dorsal side of the thorax is the surest characteristic marking to identify the Asian tiger mosquito. A further striking feature is the white markings on the legs.