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Aedes japonicus (Theobald)
Comparison of Larval Characters of Exotic and Native Stegomyia/Ochlerotatus Mosquitoes in New Jersey

Jamesina Scott, Mosquito Research and Control, Dept Entomology.

(Jamie is now at Lake County Mosquito Control, California)

Figures (photos) are shown below table. Exotic Aedes mosquitoes Native Aedes mosquitoes
Ae. albopictus Ae. japonicus Ae. atropalpus Ae. triseriatus
Upper & lower head hairs Single (upper head hair may be double or triple) and in a box arrangement

morphcomp1.
 Multiple and in a straight line (Fig. 1)

morphcomp2.
 Single and in a box arrangement. (Fig. 2)

morphcomp1.
 Single (upper head hair rarely double) and in a box arrangement
morphcomp1.
Anal gills Equal and blunt (sausage-shaped) Equal and tapering Equal and tapering Unequal and blunt
Anal saddle Smooth

(Fig. 4) 		Conspicuously spiculated

(Fig. 3) 		Smooth or weakly speculated.

(Fig. 4) 		Smooth

(Fig. 4)
Lateral hair
  • Originates on the anal saddle.
  • Usually double (rarely 3-5 forked).
  • About equal to the length of segment X.
  • Originates on the anal saddle.
  • Single (rarely double).
  • Longer than the length of segment X
  • Does not originate on the anal saddle.
  • Single.
  • Shorter than the length of segment X
  • Originates on the anal saddle.
  • Multiple.
  • Shorter than the length of segment X
Comb scales Aligned in a single, neat row In a patch In a patch In a single, or partly double row. Never aligned in a neat row.
Siphonal tuft
  • Usually 2-4 branched.
  • Inserted beyond row of pecten teeth
  • Tuft (4-7 branched).
  • Inserted within row of pecten teeth
  • Tuft (4-9 branched).
  • Inserted within row of pecten teeth
  • Single, double, or rarely triple.
  • Inserted beyond row of pecten teeth
Figure 1.
Figure 1. The upper and lower head hairs of Aedes japonicus larvae are multiple (tufts) and arranged in a straight line.
Aedes japonicus
Fig. 2.
Figure 2. The upper and lower head hairs of Aedes atropalpus larvae are single hairs that are arranged in a "box-like" formation.
Aedes atropalpus
Fig. 3.
Figure 3. A spiculated anal saddle.
>Aedes japonicus
Fig. 4.
Figure 4. A smooth anal saddle.
Aedes atropalpus