Tiger mosquitoes are vectors of important diseases

Mosquitoes are not only nuisances, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases. For a long time this has been primarily a problem in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.

However, some mosquitoes, among them tiger mosquitoes, are spreading to other regions and taking with them the risk of transmitting different diseases.

There are different species of tiger mosquitoes. The two most widespread species are important disease vectors. One, the yellow fever or Egyptian tiger mosquito (Aedes aegypti), is still mainly found in the tropics and subtropics.

Another one, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) often only called the tiger mosquito, has already been introduced into Europe. Italy is among the countries with the heaviest infestation.

The two most severe and widespread diseases that tiger mosquitoes transmit are currently Chikungunya and Dengue fever, but the mosquitoes may also transmit other, less important viruses.

Tiger mosquitoes may also transmit different prasitic worms that live in the blood and lymph systems of the victims. Depending on the species, this is called filariasis or dirofilariasis. Filariasis is present mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It may lead to Elephatiasis, a disfiguring swelling, typically in the legs. Dirofilariasis (or heartworm) is present in the more temperate climates and mainly affects dogs and cats, but rarely also humans.

Did You Know?

Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the blood to produce their eggs.

Mosquito eggs need water to develop. From the eggs, a stage called larvae hatches. These larvae feed on organic material in the water. After a couple of days, these develop into another stage called pupae from which the adult mosquitoes hatch.

Besides using a trap to catch adult mosquitoes, it is also good to destroy their breeding water. Empty these containers or cover them with a tight lid or something similar. Where possible, fill them with sand or fine gravel. Even small accumulations of water in flower pots are sufficient for tiger mosquitoes to breed.

Male vs. Female Mosquitoes

As in many animal species, the male and the female mosquitoes differ. Male mosquitoes are typically smaller than the females but the coloration is usually similar.

The males have very bushy antennae with auditory receptors to detect the characteristical female whine, while the females have antennae with very few sparse hairs along their length.

Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar and sweet plant juices to supply their energy demand, but females also require blood to develop their eggs. For this reason, their mouthparts are modified for biting and consuming blood.