Asian Tiger Mosquito: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Creepy Crawlies · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. The Asian tiger mosquito bites quickly and dodges so well that it escapes most attempts to swat it.
2. Any open container with water will do for the larvae, even one with less than 30 ml of water.
3. Its flight range is short, less than 200 m, so breeding sites are likely close to wherever you find it.
4. Male tiger mosquitoes have bushy antennae with receptors that detect the female's whine, almost inaudible to humans.
5. A single silvery-white stripe runs from between the eyes down the back of the thorax. It is the simplest, surest way to recognise this mosquito.

The quiz

1. What lets the Asian tiger mosquito escape most swatting attempts?

• A thick armoured shell
• A rapid bite and agility (correct)
• Hiding underground
• Bright colours that confuse people

It bites quickly and dodges so well that most swats miss.

2. How little water can the larvae develop in?

• At least 1 litre
• At least a bucket
• Only a whole lake
• Less than 30 ml (correct)

Any open container with water will do for the larvae, even one with less than 30 ml of water.

3. What is the Asian tiger mosquito's flight range?

• Less than 200 m (correct)
• About 5 km
• Over 1 km
• About 2 km

Its flight range is short, less than 200 m, so breeding sites are likely close to wherever you find it.

4. What do the males' bushy antennae detect?

• Radio waves
• Sunlight
• The female's whine (correct)
• Water on leaves

Males have bushier antennae with receptors that pick up the female's whine, almost inaudible to humans.

5. Which marking is the surest way to identify it?

• Red spots on the wings
• A silvery-white line down the thorax (correct)
• A yellow band on the belly
• Orange eyes

One silvery-white stripe from between the eyes down the thorax is the simplest, surest way to recognise it.

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