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Asian Tiger Mosquito
Scientific Name: Aedes albopictus
Translation: Aedes = "unpleasant" (gr.); albopictus = "white-painted" (lat.)
The Asian Tiger Mosquito was first discovered in Rockland County in the fall of 2011. This aggressive mosquito is black with white stripes on its legs and a white stripe down the middle of its head and back (thorax). These stripes give it the name "Tiger" Mosquito. It is a relatively small species, ranging from approximately 2-10 mm in length.
Albopictus is referred to as a "container-breeder." Any container that is capable of holding water for long periods of time can be a potential breeding ground for this species. A unique trait of the Asian tiger mosquito is that they are active during the day, in addition to dusk and dawn. Both of these characteristics lead to a high likelihood that humans will be their main target for a blood meal.
Help Control The Asian Tiger Mosquito Population!
- Check your yard for any containers that can hold water. Any amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site. Even small containers such as drinking cups or soda cans will produce mosquitoes. The Asian Tiger mosquito lays its eggs in these sites and they hatch within a few days.
- Eliminate the Source. Discard containers properly or empty the water out at least once a week. The Asian tiger mosquito will not typically travel far from its breeding site. They may fly from yard to yard within a neighborhood. Therefore, the mosquitoes that are biting you in your yard most likely are breeding in your yard – or in your neighbor's.
- Spread the word! Talk to your neighbors about the tiger so you all can enjoy the outdoors without being bitten!
What do Aedes albopictus mosquitoes feed on? Check out the latest information from the NEVBD.
Related Links
- Center for Disease Control - Information about The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases - The NEVBD monitor and address vector-borne disease issues in Northeast communities.
- Keep Rockland Beautiful - Did you know, one tire can breed over 400,000 mosquitoes in a single summer. Help clean up litter. Visit Keep Rockland Beautiful to find out how.
- Rutgers University - Lots of information, photos and educational materials, all about the Asian Tiger Mosquito.
- Zika Virus CDC webpage - Get the latest on this trending mosquito-borne disease.
In Your Neighborhood
Could Someone in Your Neighborhood Be Breeding the Tiger Mosquito? Print out this anonymous flyer to leave at their door. Circle what you are concerned about, or leave it blank!
Educational Materials
- Tiger Tally - How many mosquitoes can be prevented up by filling up 1 garbage bag with litter? Find out with this fun tool.
- Are the Mosquitos in Your Yard Bookmark - Print double sided, cut up and share. Great for reinforcing invasive species lessons.
- Flyers - Use to enhance presentations or hand out to friends.
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