Definition: Aedes is a genus of mosquito (Order: Diptera; Family: Culicidae) that includes over 900 species. The two most important species for man, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), are members of the subgenus Stegomyia and transmit virus infections to humans. Female Aedes require blood meals to develop their eggs and feed predominantly during the day. Ae. aegypti feeds predominantly on humans and readily feeds indoors, whereas Ae. albopictus prefers humans but may feed on a wider range of animals and usually feeds outdoors. Female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus lay their eggs in water-filled containers, preferably on rough, damp surfaces just above the water line, and the eggs hatch when submerged. The eggs may survive desiccation for several months. In urban areas Aedes use a wide range of water-filled containers, such as water storage containers, plant pots, discarded tires, building sites, and roof gutters. Natural sites where eggs may be laid include tree holes, leaf axils, and pools in riverbeds. Although Aedes species have a global distribution, Ae. aegypti is a tropical and subtropical species, and is uncommon in areas where the average winter temperature is 10 °C or less (10 °C winter isotherm) or at altitudes above 1,000 metres. Ae. albopictus is also historically a tropical species, but strains have evolved that are able to over-winter in temperate climates and become established at higher latitudes than Ae. aegypti.
Trends: Ae. aegypti
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