Asian Tiger Mosquito Facts

• Scientific name: Aedes albopictus
• Appearance: Named for their striped bodies and banded legs
• Size: 2-11mm

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Behavior

Described as aggressive and obnoxious by media outlets, Asian tiger mosquitoes are now considered to be the most invasive mosquito species.

Unlike most indigenous species, Asian tiger mosquitoes bite aggressively and can survive the colder temperatures in northern climates. Asian tiger mosquitoes are the only mosquito species that can transmit the Zika virus as well as over 20 other diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever and two types of encephalitis.

Asian tiger mosquitoes can also transmit the chikungunya virus that, while rarely fatal, causes joint pain, fever, overall aches and pains, as well as headaches, nausea, vomiting, rashes and fatigue.