Contents
What is Asian tiger mosquito like?
Characteristics of the Asian tiger mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito, is a small insect that does not surpass the centimeter in length. The adult is exactly between 2 and 10 mm in length.
It is recognized by the white stripes on its body and head, the rest of the body is black. Although its name suggests it, the tiger mosquito has no yellow stripes.
Although the tiger mosquito has a characteristic appearance, there are several Iberian species which are very similar. So we must resort to a biologist.
Where to find Asian tiger mosquito?
This insect is difficult to locate, because its flight is fast and discreet and it often acts near the ground.
The Asian tiger mosquito larvae are aquatic and need water to develop. Another thing is to have containers that are hidden in the grass and fill with water for irrigation but the problem is grass, not the containers.
In Spain, there are many species of mosquitoes that have similar habits to those of the Asian tiger mosquito. However, there are other mosquito species with very different habitats.
The tiger mosquito overwinters in the egg stage for adults to emerge in spring.
Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is native to Southeast Asia. Scientifically, this species is also known under the scientific name of Stegomyia albopicta.
In 2007, the mosquito tiger could spread throughout Spain.
Asian tiger mosquito arrived in Italy through tires which after being manufactured, accumulated in the open in Asia or Africa.
Asian tiger mosquito species
Photo of mosquito biting
Worldwide, we have identified about 3,000 species of mosquito. In Europe, this pesky insect has colonized France, Belgium, Italy, Albania, Switzerland, Hungary and Greece, among many other countries.
In Spain, there are about 56 different species of mosquitoes biting classified within the family Culicidae.
Where does Asian tiger mosquito reproduce?
Asian tiger mosquito breeds in abandoned containers, tree trunks, flower pots, drains (among many other types of containers), tire warehouses. Houses with gardens are much more vulnerable, as water collects in a large number of small foci.
If you do not have a garden, it is less probable but not impossible to have mosquitoes. On a balcony, we can find Asian tiger mosquito larvae in dishes under the pots, or a vase of flowers. In addition, mosquitoes can come from a nearby garden.
More information on mosquitoes.
