Anthropophilic
Guides
Aedes aegypti
yellow fever mosquito, dengue mosquito, Egyptian mosquito
Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito and the primary global vector of dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Native to Africa, it has become established in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide through human commerce and travel. The species is highly adapted to urban environments, breeding in artificial water containers and feeding preferentially on humans. Females require blood meals for egg development and are responsible for disease transmission. The species exhibits significant insecticide resistance, particularly to pyrethroids, complicating control efforts.
Ochlerotatus scapularis
Aedes scapularis
Ochlerotatus scapularis is a neotropical mosquito species with expanding distribution, now established in mainland Florida after first detection in the Florida Keys in 1945. The species exhibits strong anthropophilic feeding behavior, with documented human blood meals comprising 83% of engorged females. It is known to transmit multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and Dirofilaria immitis. Recent ecological niche modeling predicts potential for further northward expansion along the US Gulf Coast.
Syritta pipiens
Thick-legged Hoverfly, Thick-legged Hover Fly
Syritta pipiens is a common and widespread hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, native to Europe and now distributed across Eurasia and North America. It is distinguished by its enlarged hind femora, which give rise to its common name 'thick-legged hoverfly.' Adults are fast, agile fliers rarely exceeding one meter above ground and are important pollinators of diverse flowering plants. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter including compost, manure, and silage. The species is frequently found in human-modified environments such as gardens, farmland, and urban parks.
Thereuonema tuberculata
Japanese House Centipede
Thereuonema tuberculata is a scutigeromorph centipede in the family Scutigeridae. Native to Asia, it has been documented from China, Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Taiwan. The species has established introduced populations in North America, particularly in the eastern United States, with confirmed outdoor populations in forested and lakeside habitats in Nebraska. It is commonly confused with the related Scutigera coleoptrata in its introduced range.