About the Aedes aegypti mosquito

Frequently asked questions about the Aedes aegypti mosquito

1. How wide spread is the Aedes aegypti mosquito?
   The Aedes aegypti mosquito is found in tropical regions in more than 120 countries. It is not a native mosquito to Australia but arrived from Africa over 100 years ago. It is currently found only in Queensland, although previously present in New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The female Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting the dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses.
2. Can you tell a male mosquito from a female?
   The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a small, dark mosquito of approximately 4 to 7 millimeters. It is known for its stripy legs and a marking of the form of a lyre on the thorax. Females are larger than males but the male has larger fluffy antenna.
3. Why don’t male mosquitoes bite? What do they feed on?
   The males of all species of mosquitoes do not bite humans or animals of any species, they feed on The female of the species can also live on nectar but prefers to feed off blood, needing the protein in blood to develop her eggs. She is also a ‘day-time’ biter and is most active just after sunrise and before sunset.