In Sweden there are more than 30 species within the same genus. Most are not expected to pose a risk, but Aedes geniculatus, the silver cartoon tree hole mosquito, has aroused suspicions. It has a distinctive black and white body markings and white knees and white thighs.
– It is more closely related to Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus than the other, says Anders Lindström.
He points while that the species never likely to be a major problem.
– It is widespread, but rarely very common. It lays its eggs in water filled tree hollows, and are usually found in areas with deciduous trees, he said.
A greater threat on the run, Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito. It has recently spread to southern Europe and is now common in countries like Italy where it proved to disseminate including chikungunya.
– In the USA it has spread all the way to New York. This means that we can expect it to show up in Sweden over time, says Lindstrom.
He also believes that the tiger mosquito will be bearer of Zika virus if the virus comes to Europe.
SVA is now in a special mosquito surveillance program started in Sweden.
– We will develop models to predict big mosquito occurrences and to fight the mosquito-borne disease, says Lindstrom.
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