NPSpecies

Very Rare. (Connelly, 2010)

Distribution: Darsie and Ward (2005): Cosmotropical; Southeastern United States. Aedes aegypti was a common container-inhabiting species in the Southeastern United States until the late 1900s. It has disappeared from most of the United States, but is still common in the Florida Keys and New Orleans, LA. It has been reported from Tennessee and North Carolina collections, although these two states are in the “extreme range” according to Darsie and Ward (2005). Egg: Eggs are laid singly just above the water line or on the water surface; the eggs require a period of ageing for at least several days before they will hatch; eggs can remain viable for many months. Larva and pupa: Clean water in containers, especially man-made, but have been found in tree-holes; flower vases, tires, cans, pet dishes, and other water-holding containers near residences. Adult: Females take their blood meals during the daylight hours. They are skittish feeders and prefer to feed on humans. The adults frequently are found inside dwellings resting in dark closets, behind cabinets, under tables, behind doors. Their flight range is limited to a few hundred feet. Medical Importance: Vector of Yellow Fever and Dengue. Reeves et al. (2004) reported collecting one Ae. aegypti larva from a rain gutter in Swain County, Oconaluftee, North Carolina, and stated that it was likely an accidental reintroduction from a visitor to the Park. Collections by Connelly and others from 2006 – 2009 did not produce any additional specimens of Ae. aegypti despite collecting in habitats preferred by this species. Additionally, Jason Love (GSMNP – Tremont) assisted Connelly with mosquito egg monitoring throughout the year and while monitoring for eggs is a technique commonly used for container mosquitoes, the egg collections did not contain any Ae. aegypti. (Connelly, 2010)