Description

• Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is a small mosquito distinguished by its black body, white markings, and a conspicuous single white stripe running along the upper surface of the thorax. The legs are marked with contrasting white bands, giving the species its characteristic striped appearance. Females have a long, slender proboscis adapted for piercing skin and taking blood meals, while males feed primarily on plant sugars.

Range

• Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, Aedes albopictus has spread widely through much of the world and is now established across large areas of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and numerous Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. In Mexico it has expanded considerably since its first detection in 1988 and is now known from numerous states, including Guerrero.  It occurs in the Zihua area, where its warm climate and abundant artificial and natural water-holding containers provide suitable conditions.

Habitat

• Commonly inhabits urban, suburban, and rural environments, particularly areas with vegetation and small collections of standing water. Larvae develop in tree holes, bamboo, discarded tyres, flower pots, buckets, water tanks, and other containers that hold rainwater.  Adults usually remain close to suitable breeding sites and are active during daylight, particularly around shaded vegetation.

Diet

• Larvae feed on microorganisms, organic particles, and algae in standing water. Adult males feed primarily on nectar and other plant fluids, while females obtain blood meals from humans and other animals to provide proteins required for egg development. Aedes albopictus is an important potential vector of several mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.