# Asian Tiger Mosquito (*Aedes albopictus*) The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a striped mosquito known for its aggressive bite. It likes warm places and can be found in many areas. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 7 - **Habitat:** Urban areas, gardens, and near standing water - **Also known as:** Forest Mosquito ![Asian Tiger Mosquito](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426047/objects/5520.jpg) ## Appearance The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a small, dark insect easily recognized by its distinctive black and white striped pattern across its legs and body. It has a single silvery-white stripe running down its back, making it visually stand out from other mosquito species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Culicidae - **Genus:** Aedes ## Interesting facts - It is considered one of the world's most invasive and dangerous mosquito species! - Its eggs can survive dry conditions for over a year, waiting for water to return! - Only female Asian Tiger Mosquitoes bite, needing blood to lay their eggs! - This mosquito got its "tiger" name from its striking black and white striped pattern. ## Special abilities - **Tiny Nursery Builder:** Asian Tiger Mosquito can breed in tiny pools of water, like a bottle cap, as their eggs only need a small amount of stagnant water to hatch. - **Daytime Feeder:** Asian Tiger Mosquito has adapted to bite primarily during the day because it allows them to feed on hosts when other mosquito species are less active. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 2-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-30 days - **Flight Speed:** 2 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Female mosquitoes drink blood to lay eggs, while both sexes enjoy plant nectar for energy. - **Age differences:** Larvae filter-feed on organic matter in water; adults feed on blood and nectar. - **Primary Foods:** human blood, animal blood, plant nectar, fruit juices - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Females bite humans to obtain blood meals for reproduction. - **Eats:** Mosquitofish (*Gambusia affinis*) — Fish consume mosquito larvae, helping control populations in water. - **Parasitizes:** [American Crow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-crow) (*Corvus brachyrhynchos*) — Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus to birds like crows. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Parasitic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/parasitic): This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Asian Tiger Mosquito? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Asian Tiger Mosquito? 2-10 mm ### How long does Asian Tiger Mosquito live? 7-30 days ### How fast can Asian Tiger Mosquito fly? 2 km/h ### What does Asian Tiger Mosquito eat? Female mosquitoes drink blood to lay eggs, while both sexes enjoy plant nectar for energy. ### Where is Asian Tiger Mosquito usually found? Urban areas, gardens, and near standing water ### How does Asian Tiger Mosquito hunt? Pursuit ### How many legs does Asian Tiger Mosquito have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Audubon Place Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/audubon-place-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-tuscaloosa-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Lake Fairfax Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lake-fairfax-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [United States National Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/united-states-national-arboretum) — District of Columbia, US · Botanical Garden - [Anderson Place Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-place-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Automotive Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/automotive-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District [View all places to see Asian Tiger Mosquito](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/asian-tiger-mosquito) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Asian Tiger Mosquito: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/asian-tiger-mosquito)