NPSpecies

Distribution: Darsie and Ward (2005): Palearctic. The first report of Aedes japonicus in Tennessee was in 2003 from Knox County. Ae. japonicus was first reported in collections from North Carolina in 2005. At the time of Reeves et al. (2006) survey, they did not report finding this species, but speculated that it would be in the Park eventually. GSMNP: North Carolina, Tennessee. Egg: Eggs laid singly and require a short drying out period prior to hatching. Larva and Pupa: Typical water sources utilized by Aedes japonicus include containers (both manufactured and natural), rock holes, and roadside puddles. Adult: Will feed on a variety of avian and mammalian hosts. Aedes japonicus was collected regularly from the GSMNP by Connelly in 2006, 2007, and 2008 in North Carolina (Purchase Knob) and in Tennessee. This species is considered exotic and invasive. The medical importance in the United States is currently unknown, but it has been shown in laboratory studies to be a competent vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus, LaCrosse virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. (Connelly, 2010)