Asian tiger mosquito

Asian tiger mosquito

Aedes albopictus

Common name:

Asian tiger mosquito

Scientific name:

Aedes albopictus

Alternative common names:


Description:

A small to medium-sized mosquito with distinctive black and white body. Narrow white bands are prominent on the legs. The wingspan is 5,5mm. Known to transmit various diseases and pathogens, including West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, dengue fever and Chikungunya fever. It also transmits disease to animals.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-east Asia.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape.

How does it spread?

Prolific breeder in stagnant water and fresh water.

Why is it a problem?

Human health risk – known to transmit various diseases and pathogens, including West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, dengue fever and Chikungunya fever. It also transmits disease to animals.

What does it look like?

Description: A small to medium-sized mosquito with distinctive black and white body. Narrow white bands are prominent on the legs. The wingspan is 5,5mm.

Habitat: Found anywhere around dams, streams, marshes and other wetlands where suitable breeding habitat occurs.

Breeding: Females lay eggs in still and running water where the larva develop.

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