Wildlife Wednesday Aedes Albopictus the Asian Tiger Mosquito

Meet Aedes Albopictus the Asian Tiger Mosquito

While waiting for the bus stop with my 2nd grader I noticed a mosquito on the back of my hand. I didn’t feel her, which usually results in an immediate reactive slap, no- I saw her. At a glance the form and colors were beautiful and interesting. I decided to observe her movements and feeding processes and share this with my little son. We watched as she fed and talked about how, while annoying, mosquitoes play important roles in their ecosystems. He had slapped a mosquito on himself earlier, and blood was on his hand- he said “mom! They are filled with blood like we are!” I explained to him the possibilities of where the blood on his hand came from, either from himself or something or someone else it had bitten. He was a combination of disgusted and intrigued so when this little female landed on my hand, I let him see the process and she flew away. We talked about what might happen to her in nature now, full of my blood. As humans we’d say, ideally she would be eaten by one of her natural predators or die around native plants and turn to fertilizer before she is able to reproduce. Insectivores would hope that she did reproduce. Perspectives depend on how they interact with you.

After I looked at the photo, I decided to share my experience with a fellow biologist who specializes in mosquitoes. I told her my musings about it. That is when I learned some very important lessons that I would love to share with you now.

Please meet Ms Aedes Albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito. I know it is a “Ms” because only the females of most mosquito species feed on blood because it has the nutrients they need to develop their eggs. Otherwise, both males and females feed on nectar much like butterflies and bees. Unfortunately, this is an exotic and invasive species that is spreading globally and will feed in the morning and daytime hours. This mosquito is a vector (carrier and transmitter) of four serious diseases that humans can contract. These are- Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. They are also known to transmit heartworm to several animal species. So, suffice it to say, my curiosity led exploration was not the safest, BUT it is beneficial, as what I learned you are now learning.

Aedes Albopictus are often called “container breeders.” They select small to medium sized artificial (man made) containers holding stagnated water to lay their eggs. These can be anything from dents in tarps, old tires, pet food or water bowls, flower pot holders, trash can lids, buckets, children’s toys…. You name it. If it’s holding old water, it might be holding the larvae of Aedes Albopictus. Thankfully, a good way to help control populations on your own property is as simple as emptying and not allowing this type of standing water. In this way, the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely applies. Because they are a more rare daytime feeder, precautions should be taken with extra clothing or spray during its peak hours of early morning and late afternoon.

Life is full of learning and sometimes, we do so the hard way. As many of you know, I have great respect for wildlife. I try as much as possible to not only teach coexistence, but to live it as well. Today, my curiosity and desire for knowledge taught me more than anticipated. I feel like Wildlife Wednesday is a great time to share it with you.

I learned that it’s better, in the case of mosquitoes, just to slap immediately upon feeling OR seeing. Though in seeing other individuals I often am intrigued or compassionate. This species is not ideal for either thought process. However, in learning first hand, (literally, my own left hand), I can teach you! Knowledge makes us all healthier, mentally and in this case, physically too.

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