The Asian rock pool mosquito, Aedes japonicus, is a day-biting mosquito that originated from forested areas of East Asia. Since 1998, he has been reported outside of Asia, specifically in Europe and America. In 1998, Ae. japonicus species was detected in North America in the states of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. The spread of this species is believed to be a result of accidental transport in commercial shipments of tyres around the world.
Ae japonicus is a vector of many arboviruses including Cache Valley and La Crosse. It has also shown vector competence for eastern equine encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Rift Valley fever virus, chikungunya virus, dengue virus, and Getah virus. Understanding the origins of invasive Ae. japonicus populations is important to determine if this species is coming in from areas where these pathogens occur, and to predict potential impacts on human health associated with this mosquito.
The goal of this project is to determine the different haplotypes of Ae. japonicus and to understand the introduction of Aedes japonicus in Ohio, USA, where it seems to be one of the most abundant mosquito species.
