Aedes pulcritarsis
Aedes pulcritarsis, is a mosquito species in the genus Aedes, subgenus Ochlerotatus. It is primarily distributed across the Mediterranean region and has recently been recorded further north in Europe. It has also been observed in countries such as Iran and Pakistan.
Description
Female Aedes pulcritarsis mosquitoes can be identified by their short maxillary palps, a three-lobed scutellum, and distinct scale patterns on the scutum. Their hind legs and tibiae are speckled with pale scales, and their wings are completely dark with only dark scales on the veins. They lack scales on the metameron and postprocoxal areas but have light spots near the prealar region. Leg III shows white speckling on the tarsomeres and tibiae. Larvae have a short siphon, a line of comb scales, and specific hair patterns. Males have longer palps and feathery antennae. They differ from Aedes berlandi by lacking any scales on the metameres and having light speckles on the hind legs.Distribution
This species is native to the Western Palearctic, particularly the Mediterranean Basin. It has been documented in more than 30 countries, including:- Southern and Western Europe: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia
- Central and Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Austria
- Western Asia and North Africa: Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
- A single specimen was also found in Germany in 2016.
Behavior and ecology
Aedes pulcritasis is strongly associated with tree holes in shady, mature deciduous forests, particularly in mountainous regions with high precipitation. Preferred trees include oak, plane trees, and eucalyptus. The species avoids artificial breeding sites like containers or road drains. Water in its natural breeding habitats rarely exceeds, and larval development may take up to two months. The species is believed to produce two generations per year.Adults are anthropophilic and possibly zoophilic, feeding during daytime. However, due to its rarity and habitat preferences, it seldom interacts with humans.