Additional studies in the laboratory showed the propensity of this mosquito species for Zika virus transmission, thus it is considered a vector for this disease.Īedes albopictus has a role in transmitting dengue virus, chikungunya virus and filarial nematodes from the genus Dirofilara. Zika virus, an emerging pathogen linked to microcephaly in infants, has also been isolated from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in the field. It is also suggested as a possible vector of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus, whereas different vector competency studies have demonstrated the capability of Aedes aegypti to transmit West Nile virus (the latter was further supported by the isolation of West Nile virus from the field mosquitoes). Species-characteristic disease transmissionĪedes aegypti is a species known to transmit viruses that cause tropical fevers such as yellow, dengue virus and chikungunya virus. Due to human commerce and travel they have successfully spread from their native tropical forests of Asia to practically every continent – with the exception of Antarctica. The range of Aedes mosquitoes globally extends well into northern and arctic areas, where they can be extreme biters and serious pests to humans and livestock. While certain Aedes species are known to breed in ground pools and in marshes, an added number of them (namely subtropical species) are found in natural container-habitats such as tree-holes, leaf axils, bamboo stumps and rock-pools, or in man-made ones such as tin cans, water-storage pots and tires. Eggs are usually black and ovoid in shape, laid singly on damp substrates, and able to enter diapause ( i.e. a period of suspended growth). Biology and distribution of Aedes mosquitoesĪedes mosquitoes are considered to have high invasive potential, as their eggs are capable of withstanding long transportation and desiccation for many months. Their aggressive biting behavior makes them a serious threat during outdoor activities, and an abundant vehicle for the transmission of serious diseases. These mosquitoes have successfully undergone a process of domestication ( i.e. breeding in the human-occupied territories), which resulted in the ability of the Aedes genus (but also other genera of mosquitoes) to breed near humans and feed off of human blood. The genus was initially described by a German entomologist Johann Wilhelm Meigen, and the name was derived from Greek word that means “distasteful” or “unpleasant”. Aedes mosquitoes are significant vectors of various human diseases, as they can transmit a myriad of pathogens that are responsible for substantial human morbidity, suffering and mortality.