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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 subtrdopical areas. In August 2022, and in August 2024, Aedes aegypti were found in Contra Costa County.

A close-up of an Aedes aegypti mosquito on a plain surface.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito.

 

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, 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 Mosquitoes

May contain: animal, insect, invertebrate, and mosquito
The Aedes albopictus mosquito.

• 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:

May contain: soil, plant, potted plant, hole, and jar
Common sources where invasive mosquito species lay their eggs.

 Help 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 issues, especially aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes, to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District by calling us at (925) 685-9301 or by reporting mosquito issues online.

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 mosquito

 

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.

Dengue Fact Sheet

Courtesy of the California Department of Public Health.

Yellow Fever Fact Sheet

Another informative fact sheet from CDPH detailing information on yellow fever.

Hoja Informativa sobre Aedes aegypti (Mosquito de la Fiebre Amarilla)

Información en español.