Aedes albopictus

Aedes albopictus — the Asian tiger mosquito — is the most invasive mosquito species on Earth. Originally from Southeast Asia, it has spread via international trade (particularly used tyres and ornamental plants) to every continent except Antarctica, establishing permanent populations across southern Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

It transmits dengue, chikungunya, and Zika alongside Ae. aegypti, and has been the primary vector in recent European outbreaks (Italy, France, Spain, Croatia). It tolerates cooler climates than Ae. aegypti, which is why it has reached further north — it can overwinter in diapausing eggs and reactivate each spring.

Unlike Ae. aegypti, the tiger mosquito bites more opportunistically — readily feeding on dogs, cats, birds, and other mammals in addition to humans. This broader host range means it maintains populations even in areas with fewer people, but also makes it slightly less efficient at sustaining human-to-human disease transmission.