Female: A smallish, dark mosquito with conspicuous white markings and banded legs; the proboscis is all black although the palps are white tipped; the scutum has a dorsal pattern of white scales in the form of a 'lyre' with curved lateral and 2 central stripes contrasting with the general covering of narrow dark scales; wings are dark scaled; hind legs with femur pale scaled for basal three-quarters with dark scales dorsally on apical two-thirds and ventrally on apical third, tibia dark but tarsi with pale basal bands on 1-4 and 5 all pale; abdominal tergites with median and lateral white scale patches or bands (possibly some white scales on apical margins), sternites predominantly pale scaled with subapical bands on distal segments. (Click here for a large photograph of the adult), (Click here for an image of the larvae).

Similar Species

Adult females may be confused with Ae. notoscriptus which has a similar scutal pattern but has a pale band in middle of proboscis, and also with Ae. mallochi which has a similar scutal pattern but only a single stripe within the lyre.

Geographic Distribution

An introduced species, currently known to exist only in Queensland and predominantly northern coastal Qld, but previously known from WA, NT, and southern NSW.

Habits & Habitats

Adults are also found within or close-by human environments, often biting indoors or in sheltered areas near the house; biting is predominantly by day in shaded areas but may also occur early in the night.

Vector & Pest Status

Can be an important domestic pest but is of principal concern as major vector of Dengue fever and Yellow fever; potential vector of dog heartworm, and Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River viruses.

modified from: Russell, R.C. (1996). A colour photo atlas of mosquitoes of
Southeastern Australia. Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital.

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