The identification of Aedes albopictus in the Nearctic region

An introduced, breeding population of Aedes albopictus has been established in Harris County, Texas, and several parishes in Louisiana. The problem of its identification and separation from the indigenous Nearctic mosquito fauna is addressed. Using the keys of Darsie and Ward (1981), the author offers suggested inserts which will accomplish the identification of adult females and larvae in the Nearctic Region. Additional pointers are given for distinguishing albopictus from the 2 common container breeders, Ae. aegypti and Ae. triseriatus.