Invasive Mosquito Species
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus - Invasive Mosquito Species Capable of Transmitting Disease
Commonly referred to as the Yellow Fever mosquito, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has a worldwide distribution in tropic and subtropical areas, and in August, 2022,Aedes aegypti were found in Contra Costa County.
• Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito with a white violin shaped marking on its back and banded legs.
• Aedes aegypti has the ability to transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and other viruses.
Aedes albopictus, commonly referred to as the Asian Tiger mosquito, it is native to Asia, was re-introduced to Los Angeles County in 2011, and has spread throughout neighboring areas.
• Aedes albopictus is a small, dark mosquito with a white stripe on its back and banded legs.
• This mosquito not only has the ability to transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses but it has also been found infected in nature with
the following viruses: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis. It can also transmit dog heartworm parasites.
Common Characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
• These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters
that feed both indoors and outdoors.
• They are approximately – ¼ of an inch in size.
•Their peak feeding times are during the early morning and late afternoon, however they will bite anytime during the day.
• They prefer biting people but also feed on other domestic animals — mostly mammals.
• The entire aquatic cycle (i.e. from egg to adult) can occur in as little as 7–9 days. The life span for adult mosquitoes is around three weeks.
• They have a short flight range, so egg laying sites are likely to be close to where the mosquitoes are found.
• Eggs are laid, sometimes on dry surfaces, over a period of several days, are resistant to drying out, and can survive for six or more months.
• These mosquitoes remain alive through the winter in the egg stage, and when the eggs are covered with water in warm weather, the larvae hatch.
Common Places Where These Invasive Mosquito Species Lay Their Eggs
These mosquitoes are commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as edges of forested areas. Backyards are the #1 source for mosquito production. Anything that can hold water for more than a few days has the ability to produce mosquitoes. Common sources include:
A local species, Aedes sierrensis, also known as the Western tree hole mosquito is similar in size and also bites during the day, but it lacks the white stripe on the back and is more drab in coloration. It can be mistaken for the Asian tiger mosquito. This species is usually prominent in areas with older trees, and is active from April through July. Western tree hole mosquitoes are capable of transmitting dog heartworm disease.
Western tree hole mosquitoHelp Us Detect Invasive Mosquito Species
Help us protect public health by learning how to identify invasive mosquito species. Early detection of these invasive mosquitoes will help us control them. We can’t do this alone. We need your help. Always report mosquito problems, especially aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes, to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District by calling us at (925) 685-9301 or by contacting us.
Additional Resources
Invasive Mosquito Species (brochure)Dengue and the Aedes aegypti Mosquito
A fact sheet provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
Is it an Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus Mosquito?
Another fact sheet courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control details the differences.
Courtesy of the California Department of Public Health.
Another informative fact sheet from CDPH detailing information on yellow fever.
Hoja Informativa sobre Aedes aegypti (Mosquito de la Fiebre Amarilla)
Información en español.