The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes

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The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes

The most common mosquito transmitting viral diseases is Aedes aegypti. It transmits dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Aedes albopictus can also potentially spread all four diseases and West Nile virus. It is believed that Ae. aegypti was transported from Africa to other parts of the world. It has a high vectoral capacity, meaning it is a very effective transmitter of these viruses in nature.
Ae. albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, originated in Asia and can live in more temperate (cooler) climates. While Ae. aegypti lives in close proximity to people and their homes, Ae. albopictus is less likely to live as close or spread disease. Both of these are more likely to be active and bite in the daytime in full sunlight, unlike most mosquitoes. They were probably imported in used tires.
Both mosquitoes can live in the US. The map below shows the best estimate (as of September, 2017) of the CDC for the potential ranges of these mosquitoes. The mosquitoes use natural and artificial containers that hold water, such as used tires, plastic buckets, ponds, and tree holes. They thrive in small containers of water. Control of these diseases is dependent on killing these mosquitoes and preventing them from breeding.

Aedes aegypti. Image courtesy of the CDC.
Aedes albopictus. Image courtesy of the CDC.