The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus, synonym Stegomyia albopicta) is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. In the past few centuries, however, this species has spread to many countries through the transport of goods and international travel.
The Asian tiger mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it is an epidemiologically important vector for the transmission of many viral pathogens, including the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, and Chikungunya fever, as well as several filarial nematodes such as Dirofilaria immitis. Aedes albopictus can host the Zika virus and is considered a potential vector for Zika transmission among humans.
The adult Asian tiger mosquito is less than 10 mm long from end to end with a striking white and black pattern, which resembles the fur markings of a tiger.
Today’s photo shows an Asian tiger mosquito, resting on one of our garden chairs. And, yes, the sad message is that the Asian tiger mosquito has arrived in Basel (which was long known before I took the photograph).
[Text with great thanks in parts from Wikipedia]