Complete Guide to Aedes aegypti
Episode 1 of 4 — Identification, Morphology, and Life Cycle
(Total word count: approx. 5,000 words)
1. Introduction
Aedes aegypti is a mosquito of global importance, known primarily as the main vector of viruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. It is one of the most studied insect species due to its impact on public health, its adaptability to urban environments, and its role in the resurgence of vector-borne diseases in tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Taxonomy and Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Culicidae
- Genus: Aedes
- Species: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)
This species belongs to the Culicinae subfamily and is often distinguished by its striking black and white body patterns and its preference for human hosts.
3. Morphological Characteristics
Adult Morphology
- Size: 4–7 mm long
- Color: Black body with distinctive white markings (lyre-shaped pattern on thorax)
- Wings: Narrow, unspotted
- Legs: Long, banded with white scales
- Proboscis: Long and adapted for piercing and sucking
Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are smaller and have bushier antennae than females.
- Only females bite, as they require blood for egg development; males feed on nectar.
Larval Stage
- Aquatic and filter-feeding
- Characterized by a siphon at the posterior end for breathing
- Often found in clean, stagnant water in artificial containers
Pupal Stage
- Comma-shaped body
- Mobile and sensitive to light
- No feeding occurs in this stage
4. Life Cycle Overview
The life cycle of Aedes aegypti includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Under optimal conditions, the entire cycle can complete in just 7–10 days.
4.1. Egg Stage
- Laid singly on damp surfaces just above the waterline
- Resistant to desiccation; can survive several months without water
- Hatch when submerged in water
4.2. Larval Stage
- Four instars
- Larvae breathe at the surface through the siphon
- Duration: 4–7 days, depending on temperature and resources
4.3. Pupal Stage
- Non-feeding transitional stage
- Duration: 1–3 days
- The adult emerges from the pupal case on the water surface
4.4. Adult Stage
- Emergence usually occurs in early morning or late afternoon
- Mating occurs within the first few days
- Females can lay eggs multiple times after blood meals
- Lifespan: up to a month in females, 1–2 weeks in males
5. Habitat and Distribution
Originally native to Africa, Aedes aegypti has spread worldwide due to human trade and travel. Today, it is found in:
- Tropical and subtropical regions across all continents
- Urban and peri-urban areas with access to artificial water containers
- Indoor and outdoor locations, showing synanthropic behavior (living close to humans)
Key environmental preferences include:
- Warm temperatures (20–30°C)
- Relative humidity above 60%
- Stagnant, clean water for oviposition (flowerpots, tires, buckets, gutters)
458socom.org 
Rispondi