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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.

A photo of two asian tiger mosquito larvae. A photo of an adult asian tiger mosquito A photo of the head of the asian tiger mosquito
Note: images are not to size

The risk to Australia

The aggressive nature of the Asian tiger mosquito makes is 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 the Asian tiger mosquito looks like

An adult mosquito is about 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, about 0.5 millimetre in length and are dark brown to black in colour. Eggs are laid just above the waterline and can survive for up to a year in a dry state. Larvae develop through four stages before maturing into adults.

What to look for and where

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.

SEE. SECURE. REPORT.

If you see this pest or any other pest that you think may have hitchhiked to Australia, contain it where possible and immediately report it to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry on 1800 798 636.

For safety, consult a departmental entomologist before handling specimens.

​

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Report a biosecurity concern

Other format

This information is also available in the following format:

  • Asian tiger mosquito fact sheet PDF PDF Icon [347 KB, 2 Pages​]
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Page last updated: 10 January 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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