asian tiger mosquito

The Asian Tiger Mosquito can be found in parts of the Pacific, America, Africa and Europe. It likes to shelter indoors and is an aggressive daytime biter that feeds on humans (indoors and outdoors), domestic and wild animals and birds. Australia is free from the Asian Tiger Mosquito and we want to keep it that way.

What is the risk to Australia?

The aggressive nature of the Asian Tiger Mosquito poses a major human and livestock health risk. Its bite can spread serious diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever and several types of viral infections that can cause swelling to the brain (encephalitis).

What does the Asian Tiger Mosquito look like?

An adult mosquito is approximately 4 millimetres in length, is black and white in colour and has a distinctive white stripe down the centre of its back.

Eggs are elongated, approximately 0.5 millimetres in length and are dark brown to black in colour. Eggs are laid just above the waterline and can survive for up to 12 months. Larvae develop through four stages before maturing into adults.

What to look for

The Asian Tiger Mosquito is most likely to enter Australia as eggs or larvae in cargo capable of holding water such as tyres, machinery, bulk steel and yachts. The eggs are also regularly found on imported lucky bamboo.

What to do if you find any suspect mosquitos

• SEE. SECURE. REPORT.
  
• If you SEE any suspect findings, SECURE them where possible and immediately REPORT them to AQIS on 1800 020 504.
  
• Consult AQIS entomologists prior to handling or collecting specimens.

More information

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Phone: 1800 020 504 Freecall within Australia