The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a small black mosquito, between 6–9 mm long. It can be recognized by a single line on the back of its head and thorax (1). Its legs are black with white spots that give it a zebra-like appearance (2).
Unlike other mosquitoes, it is diurnal, active early in the morning and especially in the late afternoon until evening. These are the periods when it usually bites.
Main differences between the tiger mosquito and the common one:
The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is darker and has white stripes on the thorax and legs, while the common mosquito (Culex pipiens) is brown and has no apparent pattern.
Life cycle:
Mosquitoes have a complex cycle with stages in different environments.
Adults (1) are terrestrial and lay their eggs (2) near water or in humid places. The larvae (3) are aquatic and feed on microorganisms and organic matter in suspension, coming to the water’s surface to breathe atmospheric oxygen. After a few days, depending on temperature, the larvae turn into rounded pupae (4). In this stage they do not feed, but undergo the transformation from aquatic larva to adult.
Habitat and diet:
Although it also enters houses, it is closely linked to outdoor areas, where it tends to hide in vegetation.
Therefore, its ideal habitat is shady and humid corners.
As for diet, males and females differ: males feed only on nectar, while females, which also do, need blood proteins to lay eggs. That’s why only females bite.
Origin and distribution:
It is an invasive species native to Southeast Asia. In recent decades it has invaded many countries and is now present in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia and Europe—spreading across five continents. It is considered one of the 100 most invasive species in the world!
Globalization has enabled its passive spread by land and sea, and the transport of used tires and plants has contributed to its invasion. It arrived in Europe in 1979 via Albania, and was first detected in Spain in 2004 in the province of Barcelona. Today the species is distributed along the Mediterranean coast and advances inland. Its great adaptability to new conditions suggests that it will continue expanding its distribution in the coming years.
Researchers have studied the genetic composition of the tiger mosquito in Europe, and the results have revealed the different entry routes from Asia and how it has spread through the continent. They confirm the importance of mosquito movement inside cars. The movement of mosquitoes between regions determines the genetic structure of their populations, which can have practical implications such as differences in their ability to transmit viruses.
Problem:
The tiger mosquito is considered a public health concern, not only for the irritation caused by its bites, but for its ability to transmit numerous diseases. Some of the viruses it can transmit include: Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and Yellow Fever.
Unlike other mosquitoes, the tiger mosquito can bite several times during a single meal. A single mosquito can bite the same person multiple times. It can also bite several animals, mainly mammals, but rarely transmits pathogens between animals and humans. In fact, it is often cited as an example of a direct transmission cycle between humans, without the involvement of other species. However, in lab conditions, it has been shown that this mosquito can be infected with up to 22 viruses.
Marimurtra’s actions and results:
Marimurtra implements measures to reduce tiger mosquito abundance, in collaboration with specialized technicians, researchers and the Mosquito Alert science project:
Mapping and regular inspection of potential breeding sites
Application of larvicide and other biological control methods (such as dragonfly larvae, which voraciously prey on mosquito larvae)
Mechanical elimination of breeding sites (perforation of drains, removal of bromeliads)
Monitoring of adult mosquitoes
Results and conclusions:
These actions have helped reduce the tiger mosquito population in the Garden, thus lowering nuisance and health risk.
Participation in scientific studies has helped increase knowledge about mosquitoes, while allowing Marimurtra to adjust and optimize the treatment schedule in the Garden.
