Aedes atropalpus

Aedes atropalpus, commonly known as the American rock pool mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. It belongs to the subgenus Georgecraigius and was first described by American entomologist Daniel William Coquillett in 1902.^[1][2] Native to eastern North America, this mosquito has also been reported in parts of Europe, likely introduced through human activities such as the transport of used tires.^[3][4]

Aedes atropalpus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Diptera
Family:	Culicidae
Genus:	Aedes
Subgenus:	Georgecraigius
Species:	A. atropalpus
Binomial name
Aedes atropalpus (Coquillett, 1902)

Description

Aedes atropalpus is a small to medium-sized mosquito characterized by a slender body, long legs, and a proboscis suited for blood-feeding.^[5] While specific physical traits may vary, it shares typical mosquito features such as dark coloration and scaled wings.^[6] Females exhibit autogeny, meaning they can lay their first batch of eggs without a blood meal, a distinctive adaptation among some mosquito species.^[7]

Distribution and habitat

This species is primarily found in eastern North America, with a range extending from Canada to the southeastern United States.^[4] It has also been introduced to Europe, with sightings in countries such as Italy and France, likely due to the international trade of used tires carrying its eggs.^[3] Aedes atropalpus thrives in small, water-filled habitats, including natural rock pools along streams and rivers, as well as artificial containers like tires, buckets, and other debris.^[7] Its ability to exploit human-made environments has contributed to its spread.^[6]

Life cycle and behavior

Aedes atropalpus undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.^[2] Females lay eggs in moist areas above the waterline of their breeding sites, and these eggs can survive desiccation, hatching when flooded.^[7] The larvae develop in water, feeding on organic debris, and adults emerge after a brief pupal stage.^[6]

The species’ autogenous reproduction allows it to thrive in areas with limited host availability.^[7] Adults are active during the day and feed on the blood of humans and other mammals, making them a nuisance in areas near their breeding sites.^[5]

Disease transmission

Aedes atropalpus has been shown in laboratory studies to be capable of transmitting viruses such as West Nile virus and La Crosse virus.^[7] However, it is not a primary vector for these diseases in the wild, meaning it plays a limited role in their natural spread compared to more significant vectors like Aedes aegypti or Culex species.^[7] Its public health impact remains minor but warrants continued monitoring.^[8]

Control and management

Control efforts for Aedes atropalpus focus on reducing breeding sites and applying insecticides.^[7] Eliminating standing water in containers such as tires and buckets is a key strategy to prevent larval development.^[5] Insecticides like deltamethrin are effective, though some populations show tolerance to alternatives like malathion.^[7] Public education on habitat management and personal protection, such as using repellents, also helps mitigate its presence.^[7]