Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)

(Photo credit to britannica.com)

Adult Aedes aegypti can be recognized by the black and white markings on the legs and a lyre-shaped marking on the thorax. The study has shown that this species was originated from West Africa and was then transported to the New World such as America. This species is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The adult prefers to rest indoors and feeds on humans. There are two periods when this mosquito is active in biting: the early morning after daybreak and in the evening before dark. The eggs are black, ovoid in shape, and laid singly on damp substrates above the water surface. Naturally, the eggs can be found in tree holes, rock pools, and leaves on pond edges. Besides, the eggs can withstand desiccation for a long period of time. Aedes aegypti is the primary carrier of the dengue virus that causes dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Additionally, this species plays an important role as a vector for yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

(Photo credit to Hunter Deerman)

Adult Aedes albopictus has a white stripe in the middle of the scutum. The adult is dark in color with a white dorsal stripe and banded legs. This species is dominant in the tropical and subtropical regions such as countries in Asia, but they can adapt themselves to cooler regions. Aedes albopictus was originally indigenous to Southeast Asia and the islands of the western Pacific and spread to Africa, Europe, and America in recent decades. This species was found to breed in natural and artificial containers such as tree holes, water pots, tin cans, and vehicle tires. Female mosquitoes lay eggs singly at the edge of the water surface which normally found in the vegetation around the house. Besides, they prefer to bite during the day, especially at dusk and dawn. Similar to Aedes aegypti, it is an important vector for dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

Southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)

(Photo credit to Perry Babin)

Adult Culex quinquefasciatus is brown in appearance, with the proboscis, thorax and wings are darker than the rest of the body. The adults vary from 4 to 5 mm in length. It is a predominant house-resting mosquito found in many tropical countries. The adult females are active at night time where they will bite humans and animals both indoor and outdoor throughout the night. The eggs are long, cylindrical, and brownish in color. The females lay the eggs on the water surface to form a raft which normally comprises about 300 eggs. The raft remains afloat until the larvae hatch. Culex quinquefasciatus female prefers to breed in polluted waters with organic material such as in blocked drains, septic tanks, soakage pools, and abandoned wells. It was first introduced to Hawaii during the 19^th century. It is an important vector of filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus throughout the world. In certain regions of Africa and Southeast Asia, it has become the primary vector of Wuchereria bancrofti, a parasite of the urban form of filariasis.

Prevention of Mosquitoes

• Eliminate and remove any standing water around the house.
• Keep mosquitoes outdoor. Ensure the window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from flying into the house.
• Protect yourself from bitten by mosquitoes. Avoid staying outside or outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when Aedes mosquitoes are generally most active. Wear long sleeves to reduce exposed skin. Apply mosquito repellent such as DEET to reduce mosquito bite, remember to always follow the label instruction.

References

• Service, M. W. (1997). Medical Entomology for Students. Chapman & Hall. Pp. 267.