Arbovirus-vector
Guides
Aedes japonicus
Asian bush mosquito, Asian rock pool mosquito
Aedes japonicus is an invasive mosquito species native to East Asia, first described from Tokyo in 1901. It has established populations in North America, Europe, and Hawaii through human-mediated transport of eggs in used tires and containers. The species is a competent vector for West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus, with experimental evidence for dengue and chikungunya viruses. Its cold-hardiness, ecological plasticity, and ability to exploit diverse container habitats contribute to its invasive success.
Anopheles punctipennis
Woodland Malaria Mosquito
Anopheles punctipennis, commonly called the woodland malaria mosquito, is a mosquito species native to North America and distributed throughout the continent. It is capable of transmitting human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum, though experimental studies suggest it is a relatively poor host for P. falciparum with limited parasite development. The species is also involved in transmission of Plasmodium odocoilei, a malaria parasite of ungulates. In addition to malaria, it has been implicated as a potential bridge vector for eastern equine encephalitis virus and other arboviruses.
Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus
black salt marsh mosquito
Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus, commonly known as the black salt marsh mosquito, is a floodwater mosquito species native to coastal and salt marsh habitats across the Americas. It is a significant nuisance species and disease vector, known to transmit Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) and susceptible to Everglades virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The species has been observed expanding its range and increasing in abundance following extreme weather events such as hurricanes and flooding. Laboratory studies indicate it readily feeds on both pork and cow blood through artificial membranes, with feeding preferences varying by population.