The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) By Nikhil Kandpal

Origin  Native to Asia  Spread to United States via tire trade  First found in Houston; possibly from Japan  Population dispersed by used tire trade  Now very common along west coast

Problems Caused by Asian Tiger Mosquito  Disease-carrying organism  West Nile Virus  Dengue Fever  Japanese Encephalitis  Particularly aggressive  Well adapted to the environment  Thrive in wetland habitat  Adapted to urban environments

Life Cycle

Population and Activity in United States  Found in 37 states  California  Pennsylvania  Many mosquito infections in Pennsylvania  Montgomery County – 42 infections

Rate of Spread  Unable to find projections for rate of spread  Predictions can be made from past data  800% national increase in past year for West Nile Virus  4600% increase in Pennsylvania

Methods of Control  Development of new traps  Use ammonia, fatty acids, and lactic acid  Reduction of tire imports  Forms of biological control also being developed

Bibliography  "Invasive Species: Animals - Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus)." National Invasive Species Information Center. Web. 21 Sept  This source provided information on the introduction of the Asian Tiger Mosquito into the United States. It also had a wide variety of other sources on the topic.  "Disease Maps." West Nile Virus Mosquito. USGS, 20 Sept Web. 21 Sept  This source provided information on the spread of the Asian Tiger Mosquito in the United States. It also had a map which had the cumulative number of infections in each state.  "Issg Database: Ecology of." IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). Web. 21 Sept  This source had information on different methods of control used for the Asian Tiger Mosquito.  "Asian Tiger Mosquito Prevention and Control." Illinois Department of Public Health Home Page. Web. 21 Sept  This source had information on the life cycle of the Asian Tiger Mosquito.

Bibliography  "The Asian Tiger Mosquito in Maryland." Maryland Department of Agriculture. Web. 21 Sept  This website had some important information about the general biology of the Asian Tiger Mosquito. It also had a section on why this species is a health hazard.  Pictures  