Asian Tiger Asian Tiger MosquitoMosquito

Denise McNeillDenise McNeill

Asian Tiger Mosquito Asian Tiger Mosquito

What is a Asian Tiger Mosquito?What is a Asian Tiger Mosquito? What is its characteristics?What is its characteristics? Where the Asian Tiger Mosquito Where the Asian Tiger Mosquito

come from?come from? What is its life cycle and habits?What is its life cycle and habits? How are we able to identify it?How are we able to identify it? What is its scientific name?What is its scientific name? What is the scientific name, What is the scientific name,

classification, and origin classification, and origin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquitohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquito

Some information on Asian Some information on Asian Tiger MosquitoTiger Mosquito

In August 1985, the Asian tiger mosquito was discovered In August 1985, the Asian tiger mosquito was discovered breeding in discarded used tires in Houston, Texas and, breeding in discarded used tires in Houston, Texas and, within the next two years, populations had spread into 17 within the next two years, populations had spread into 17 states. Current distribution is 25 states from Texas states. Current distribution is 25 states from Texas eastward to the Atlantic Ocean and as far north as Iowa. eastward to the Atlantic Ocean and as far north as Iowa. The known distribution of the Asian tiger mosquito in The known distribution of the Asian tiger mosquito in Ohio includes 8 locations - Ironton (Lawrence Co.) in Ohio includes 8 locations - Ironton (Lawrence Co.) in 1997, Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.) and Portsmouth (Scioto 1997, Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.) and Portsmouth (Scioto Co.) in 1996, Coventry Township (Summit County) in Co.) in 1996, Coventry Township (Summit County) in 1993, Columbus (Franklin Co.) in 1992, Findlay (Hancock 1993, Columbus (Franklin Co.) in 1992, Findlay (Hancock Co.), Greenville (Darke Co.), and Oak Hill (Jackson Co.) in Co.), Greenville (Darke Co.), and Oak Hill (Jackson Co.) in 1987. 1987.

This mosquito, imported into the United States, is a very This mosquito, imported into the United States, is a very aggressive biter, known as a vector of Dengue (breakbone aggressive biter, known as a vector of Dengue (breakbone fever) in southeast Asia and a potential vector of yellow fever) in southeast Asia and a potential vector of yellow fever, dengue, LaCrosse encephalitis and dog heartworm fever, dengue, LaCrosse encephalitis and dog heartworm in this country (Ohio has more recorded cases of in this country (Ohio has more recorded cases of LaCrosse encephalitis than any other state). This LaCrosse encephalitis than any other state). This mosquito breeds in standing water found in discarded mosquito breeds in standing water found in discarded used tires and other containers.used tires and other containers.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2148.htmlhttp://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2148.html

Some more information on Some more information on Asian Tiger MosquitoAsian Tiger Mosquito

The Asian tiger mosquito or forest day mosquito The Asian tiger mosquito or forest day mosquito ((Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictusAedes (Stegomyia) albopictus), from the ), from the mosquito family Culicidae, is characterized by mosquito family Culicidae, is characterized by its black and white striped legs, and small black its black and white striped legs, and small black and white body. It is native to the tropical and and white body. It is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; however, in subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; however, in the past couple of decades this species has the past couple of decades this species has invaded many countries throughout the world invaded many countries throughout the world through the transport of goods and increasing through the transport of goods and increasing international travel. This mosquito has become international travel. This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawnin the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquitohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquito

Name and systematic Name and systematic In 1895, a British-Australian entomologist, Frederick In 1895, a British-Australian entomologist, Frederick

A. Askew Skuse, was the first to describe scientifically A. Askew Skuse, was the first to describe scientifically the Asian tiger mosquito, which he namedthe Asian tiger mosquito, which he named Culex Culex albopictusalbopictus (lat. (lat. CulexCulex “gnat, midge” and “gnat, midge” and albopictusalbopictus “white embroided”). Later, the species was assigned “white embroided”). Later, the species was assigned to the genus to the genus AedesAedes (gr. (gr. άηδήςάηδής, "unpleasant") and , "unpleasant") and referred to as referred to as Aedes albopictusAedes albopictus. Like the yellow fever . Like the yellow fever mosquito, it belongs to the subgenus mosquito, it belongs to the subgenus StegomyiaStegomyia (gr. (gr. στέγοςστέγος, "covered, roofed", referring to the scales that , "covered, roofed", referring to the scales that completely cover the dorsal surface in this Subgenus, completely cover the dorsal surface in this Subgenus, and and μυίαμυία, "fly"). In 2004, scientists explored higher-, "fly"). In 2004, scientists explored higher-level relationships and proposed a new classification level relationships and proposed a new classification within the within the AedesAedes genus and genus and StegomyiaStegomyia was elevated was elevated to the Genus level, making to the Genus level, making Aedes albopictusAedes albopictus now now Stegomyia albopictaStegomyia albopicta. This is, however, a controversial . This is, however, a controversial matter, and the use of matter, and the use of Stegomyia albopictaStegomyia albopicta versus versus Aedes albopictusAedes albopictus is continually debated. is continually debated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquito

Characteristics Characteristics The Asian tiger mosquito is about 2 to 10 mm length with a striking The Asian tiger mosquito is about 2 to 10 mm length with a striking

white and black pattern. The variation of the body size in adult white and black pattern. The variation of the body size in adult mosquitoes depends on the density of the larval population and food mosquitoes depends on the density of the larval population and food supply within the breeding water. Since these circumstances are only supply within the breeding water. Since these circumstances are only seldom optimal, the average body size of adult mosquitoes is seldom optimal, the average body size of adult mosquitoes is considerably smaller than 10 mm. For example, the average length of considerably smaller than 10 mm. For example, the average length of the abdomen was calculated to be 2.63 mm, the wings 2.7 mm, and the the abdomen was calculated to be 2.63 mm, the wings 2.7 mm, and the proboscis 1.88 mm through a study of 10 images from 1962 of both proboscis 1.88 mm through a study of 10 images from 1962 of both male and female mosquitoes.male and female mosquitoes.

The males are roughly 20% smaller than the females, but they are The males are roughly 20% smaller than the females, but they are morphologically very similar. However, as in all mosquito species, the morphologically very similar. However, as in all mosquito species, the antenmae of the males in comparison to the females are noticeably antenmae of the males in comparison to the females are noticeably bushier and contain auditory receptors to detect the characteristic bushier and contain auditory receptors to detect the characteristic whine of the female. The maxillary palps of the males are also longer whine of the female. The maxillary palps of the males are also longer than their proboscises whereas the females’ maxillary palps are much than their proboscises whereas the females’ maxillary palps are much shorter. (This is typical for representatives of subfamilies.) In shorter. (This is typical for representatives of subfamilies.) In addition, the tarsus of the hind legs of the males is more silvery. addition, the tarsus of the hind legs of the males is more silvery. Tarsomere IV is roughly three-quarters silver in the males where as Tarsomere IV is roughly three-quarters silver in the males where as the females’ is only about 60% silver.the females’ is only about 60% silver.

The other characteristics do not differentiate between genders. A The other characteristics do not differentiate between genders. A single silvery-white line of tight scales begins between the eyes and single silvery-white line of tight scales begins between the eyes and continues down the dorsal side of the thorax. This characteristic continues down the dorsal side of the thorax. This characteristic marking is the easiest and surest way to identify the Asian tiger marking is the easiest and surest way to identify the Asian tiger mosquito.mosquito.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquito

More characteristics More characteristics The probiscus is dark colored, the upper surface of the end segment of The probiscus is dark colored, the upper surface of the end segment of

the palps is covered in silvery scales, and the labium does not feature a the palps is covered in silvery scales, and the labium does not feature a light line on its underside. The compound eyes are distinctly separated light line on its underside. The compound eyes are distinctly separated from one another. The scutum, the dorsal portion of an insect’s thoracic from one another. The scutum, the dorsal portion of an insect’s thoracic segment, is black alongside the characteristic white midline. On the side segment, is black alongside the characteristic white midline. On the side of the thorax, the scutellum, and the abdomen there are numerous spots of the thorax, the scutellum, and the abdomen there are numerous spots covered in white-silvery scales.covered in white-silvery scales.

Such white-silvery scales can also be found on the tarsus, particularly on Such white-silvery scales can also be found on the tarsus, particularly on the hind legs that are commonly suspended in the air. The base of the hind legs that are commonly suspended in the air. The base of tarsomere I through IV has a ring of white scales, creating the tarsomere I through IV has a ring of white scales, creating the appearance of white and black rings. On the fore legs and middle legs, appearance of white and black rings. On the fore legs and middle legs, only the first three tarsomeres have the ring of white scales whereas only the first three tarsomeres have the ring of white scales whereas tarsomere V on the hind legs is completely white. The femur of each leg tarsomere V on the hind legs is completely white. The femur of each leg is also black with white scales on the end of the “knee”. The femurs of is also black with white scales on the end of the “knee”. The femurs of the middle legs do not feature a silver line on the base of the upper side, the middle legs do not feature a silver line on the base of the upper side, where as, the femurs on the hind legs have short white lines on base of where as, the femurs on the hind legs have short white lines on base of the upper side. The tibias are black on the base and have no white the upper side. The tibias are black on the base and have no white scales.scales.

The terga on segments II through VI of the abdomen are dark and have The terga on segments II through VI of the abdomen are dark and have an almost triangular silvery-white marking on the base that is not an almost triangular silvery-white marking on the base that is not aligned with the silvery bands of scales on the ventral side of the aligned with the silvery bands of scales on the ventral side of the abdomen. The triangular marking and the silvery band are only aligned abdomen. The triangular marking and the silvery band are only aligned on abdominal segment VII. The transparent wings have white spots on on abdominal segment VII. The transparent wings have white spots on the base of the Costas. With older mosquito specimens, the scales could the base of the Costas. With older mosquito specimens, the scales could be partially worn off making the previously mentioned characteristics not be partially worn off making the previously mentioned characteristics not stand out as much.stand out as much.

More characteristicsMore characteristics The typical The typical Aedes albopictusAedes albopictus individual has a length individual has a length

of about 2 to 10mm. As with other members of the of about 2 to 10mm. As with other members of the mosquito family, the female is equipped with an mosquito family, the female is equipped with an elongated proboscis that she uses to collect blood to elongated proboscis that she uses to collect blood to feed her eggs. The Asian tiger mosquito has a rapid feed her eggs. The Asian tiger mosquito has a rapid bite that allows it to escape most attempts by people bite that allows it to escape most attempts by people to swat it. By contrast the male member of the to swat it. By contrast the male member of the species primarily feeds on nectar.species primarily feeds on nectar.

The female lays her eggs near water; not directly into The female lays her eggs near water; not directly into it as other mosquitoes do, but typically near a it as other mosquitoes do, but typically near a stagnant pool. However, any open container stagnant pool. However, any open container containing water will suffice for larvae development, containing water will suffice for larvae development, even with less than an ounce of water in. It can also even with less than an ounce of water in. It can also breed in running water, so stagnant pools of water breed in running water, so stagnant pools of water are not its only breeding sites. It has a short flight are not its only breeding sites. It has a short flight range (less than 200 m), so breeding sites are likely range (less than 200 m), so breeding sites are likely to be close to where this mosquito is found.to be close to where this mosquito is found.

Identification Identification Adults are known as tiger mosquitoes due to their Adults are known as tiger mosquitoes due to their

conspicuous patterns of very black bodies with conspicuous patterns of very black bodies with white stripes. Also, there is a distinctive single white stripes. Also, there is a distinctive single white band (stripe) down the length of the back. white band (stripe) down the length of the back. The body length is about 3/16-inch long. Like all The body length is about 3/16-inch long. Like all adult mosquitoes, Asian tiger mosquitoes are adult mosquitoes, Asian tiger mosquitoes are small, fragile insects with slender bodies, one pair small, fragile insects with slender bodies, one pair of narrow wings (tiny scales are attached to wing of narrow wings (tiny scales are attached to wing veins), and three pairs of long, slender legs. They veins), and three pairs of long, slender legs. They have an elongate proboscis (beak) with which the have an elongate proboscis (beak) with which the female bites and feeds on blood, while males feed female bites and feeds on blood, while males feed only on plant nectar. Eggs are elongate, usually only on plant nectar. Eggs are elongate, usually 1/40-inch long, and dark brown to black near 1/40-inch long, and dark brown to black near hatching. Larvae (wigglers) are filter feeders that hatching. Larvae (wigglers) are filter feeders that move with an S-shaped motion. Pupae (tumblers) move with an S-shaped motion. Pupae (tumblers) are comma-shaped, appearing to tumble through are comma-shaped, appearing to tumble through the water when disturbed. the water when disturbed.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=Asian%20tigerhttp://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=Asian%20tiger%20mosquito&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi%20mosquito&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Habitat, diet, and host Habitat, diet, and host location location

Asian tiger mosquitoes occur in urban, suburban and rural regions. Asian tiger mosquitoes occur in urban, suburban and rural regions. They can also exist in woodlands, particularly on the outer fringe close They can also exist in woodlands, particularly on the outer fringe close to human settlements and in secondary forests. You will very seldom to human settlements and in secondary forests. You will very seldom find them in vegetation poor biotypes. find them in vegetation poor biotypes.

Like other mosquito species, only the females require a blood meal to develop their eggs. Apart from that, they receive their energy demand from nectar and other sweet plant juices just as the males do. In regards to host location, carbon dioxide and organic substances produced from the host, humidity, and optical recognition play important roles.

The search for a host takes place in two phases. First, the mosquito exhibits a nonspecific searching behavior until the perception of host stimulants which is then followed by a targeted approach. For catching tiger mosquitoes with special traps, carbon dioxide and a combination of chemicals that naturally occur in human skin (fatty acids, ammonia, and ) are the most attractive.

The Asian tiger mosquito particularly bites during the day. Depending upon region and biotype there are differing active peaks but for the most part they rest during the morning and night hours. They search for their hosts inside and outside of human dwellings, but are particularly active outside. The size of the blood meal depends upon the size of the mosquito, but it is usually around 2 microliters.

Natural enemies Natural enemies ToxorhynchitesToxorhynchites larvae, a mosquito genus that does not suck larvae, a mosquito genus that does not suck

blood, feeds upon other mosquito larvae and are often found blood, feeds upon other mosquito larvae and are often found together with tiger mosquito larvae. Flatworms and also small together with tiger mosquito larvae. Flatworms and also small swimming beetles are considered natural predators.swimming beetles are considered natural predators.

Primarily fungi, ciliates, paramecia, and protozoan act as Primarily fungi, ciliates, paramecia, and protozoan act as parasites to Asian tiger mosquitoes. Relatives of parasites to Asian tiger mosquitoes. Relatives of OomycetesOomycetes, also , also known as water molds, from the genus known as water molds, from the genus CoelomomycesCoelomomyces (Phylum (Phylum ChytridiomycotaChytridiomycota, Order , Order BlastocladialesBlastocladiales) develop inside the ) develop inside the visceral cavity of mosquito larvae. visceral cavity of mosquito larvae.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_tiger_mosquito#Natural_enemies

Distribution Climatic Distribution Climatic adaptationsadaptations

Although Although Aedes albopictusAedes albopictus is native to tropical and subtropical is native to tropical and subtropical regions, they are successfully adapting themselves to cooler regions, they are successfully adapting themselves to cooler regions. In the warm and humid tropical regions, they are active regions. In the warm and humid tropical regions, they are active the entire year long, however, in temperate regions they the entire year long, however, in temperate regions they hibernate over winter. Eggs from strains in the temperate zone hibernate over winter. Eggs from strains in the temperate zone are more tolerant to the cold than ones from warmer regions. are more tolerant to the cold than ones from warmer regions. They can even tolerate snow and temperatures under freezing. In They can even tolerate snow and temperatures under freezing. In addition, adult tiger mosquitoes can survive throughout winter in addition, adult tiger mosquitoes can survive throughout winter in suitable microhabitats.suitable microhabitats.