Arthropod Vectors of Human Diseases

bloodfed female Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti)

Aedes aegypti orginated in Africa but is now found throughout most of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This genus is characterised by the black-and-white stripes along the body. As with all mosquitoes, it is only the female that bites as she requires the rich nutrients to aid the development of her eggs.

Aedes aegypti pupa

It is responsible for the transmission of several dangerous viral diseases, such as Yellow Fever, Dengue and West Nile.

Aedes aegypti larva

Aedes aegypti can survive in more arid areas than most mosquitoes due to the eggs having the ability to survive dessication for periods of up to a year. This allows them to maintain populations in areas where rain and standing water may be sporadic.

Thanks to John Morgan for allowing the mosquito to sit on, and bite, his arm. All of the mosquitoes in the above photos were from laboratory reared colonies and photographed under controlled conditions.