Normally this species is a day-biting mosquito. It is predominantly an outdoor biter. As it is known as forest mosquito breeding mainly in tree holes, this species bites any host that enters the forest or forest fringe areas. The biting activity has been reported to have two peaks; one in the morning and another in the late afternoon. However, there were observations of this species biting before sunrise and nights. As this mosquito is known to be opportunistic feeder, the biting activity is influenced by the availability of host. This species is also known for its short flight range (~200 m). Therefore encountering this species during night time and indoors is not uncommon.
In urban households this species breeds in any small water longings in gardens and enters indoor and hence can bite at night also.
I've not seen any albo biting at night, but I've collected some of them by indoor light traps, that indicates they also forage at night.
Hi Dr. Pk,
I don't know if it counts but I have a lot of albo biting at night in my lab (I breed them). Outside, many bite after 6PM, however, I seldom see them indoors (homes) during the night, adding to the fact that many households I have been to have netted windows.
That means biting behaviour is influenced by breeding behaviour also. My observations also point to that fact.
This species was cited in Spain in 2004 for first time, and has spread along the mediterranean coast. But I think that the densities recorded here are lower than those recorded in their country of origin. 150 eggs in a ovitrap placed in the field along one week is a high density here. 8 females per day into a bg sentinel trap is also a index for high densities.
In italy the densities are higer. The social alarm generated by the tiger mosquito in new colonized areas makes low population densities pose a big problem.
Dr. N G Das Defence Research Laboratory (Retd)
I've not noticed Aedes albopictus biting at night, but I have collected some of them by indoor light traps, which indicates they also forage at night.
Yes I've noticed it in Italy in some occasions during the summer season and near a light source.
I have nerer noticed in North Eastern Region of India any Aedes albopictus biting indoor during night time.
I saw a few A albopictus foraging at night in lighted areas close to doorways in Dhaka, Bangladesh last summer soon after rains. Strangely I did not see any active around the same building during the day.
I am really thankful to the inputs from various parts of the world. In fact, two years ago I sent my observations as a short note to one of the international journals, which was sent to seven reviewers and finally rejected. They did not believe me! Now I am quite happy to note that at least some of you corroborated my findings.
I have also heard of this in Indonesia. It needs formal assessment!
i have collected -manlanding both nocturnal &diurnal mosquitoes for PhD research work.
No, I haven't noticed yet, may be in the future, or may be not available here. Tq
Yes have observed , in 24 hrs man landing mosquitoes collection and biting rhythmic activity studies for my Ph.d.
@ Sumodan Pk i do not understand why they could not, for example in an area where the temperature is high during the day, the only option is to bite at night
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