Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Greece: 13 years of living with the Asian tiger mosquito

Abstract

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1895) (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an invasive mosquito species of public health significance, well established in many countries worldwide. In Greece, it was first recorded in Corfu and Thesprotia between 2003 and 2004. In the following years, further distribution and establishment of Ae. albopictus in Greece have been confirmed in many Regional Units of the country. In the current study, we report the invasion history of Ae. albopictus in Greece, until 2016. The results from the entomological investigation following imported virus cases in 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also included. Moreover, its presence in Greece is demonstrated in a thematic map based on (a) information provided by pest control companies and/or citizens, (b) the official samples sent to Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI) and the National School of Public Health (NSPH), and

Keywords: Aedes albopictus; Invasion history; Invasive mosquito species; Surveillance; Thematic map; Web-based questionnaire.