Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1651891

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

Also known as Egyptian Mosquito, Dengue Mosquito

Yellow fever mosquitoes thrive in close proximity to human habitations, laying their eggs in artificial containers of standing water like flowerpots, discarded tires, and rain gutters. Females hunt primarily during daylight hours, preferring to bite human ankles and elbows with silent, agile approaches. Their high adaptability and domestic habits make them one of the world's most successful invasive urban pests.

InvasiveDiurnalUrban
Yellow Fever Mosquito reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Nectar
  • Plant Sap
  • Human Blood
Predators
  • Bats
  • Dragonflies
  • Mosquitofish
ThreatsVector control programs, insecticides, sterile insect release
HabitatsUrban areas, suburban yards, tropical and subtropical human settlements
Life span2–4 weeks
Classification
  1. FamilyCulicidae
  2. SpeciesAedes aegypti
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Carries pathogens like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever; avoid bites using repellent and removing standing water.
Why it is dangerous
Transmits dangerous arboviruses including dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya through blood-feeding bites.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for distinctive silver-white bands on the legs and a lyre-shaped white marking on the dark thorax.
What to do
Do not handle or catch living specimens; eliminate domestic breeding sites and wear long sleeves outdoors.
Responsible observation
  • Eliminate Standing Water: Empty flowerpot saucers, buckets, and clogged rain gutters weekly to disrupt egg laying.
  • Wear Repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin during daytime outdoor activities.
  • Screen Openings: Keep doors and windows fitted with tight-fitting mesh screens to prevent indoor entry.
Related species
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