Aedes australis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aedes australis |
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Aedes australis is a type of mosquito that lives in brackish water. This means it likes water that is a mix of fresh and salty water, like near the coast. It belongs to the Aedes group of mosquitoes. This mosquito was first found in New Zealand in 1961.
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About Aedes australis
Where They Live
Aedes australis mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in rocky areas near the ocean. They choose pools of brackish water that are just above the high tide line. These mosquitoes usually stay very close to where they were born.
How They Reproduce
Most female Aedes australis mosquitoes can lay their first batch of eggs without needing a blood meal. This special ability is called autogeny. It means they can reproduce even if they haven't bitten an animal or human yet.
However, how well they can do this depends on their surroundings. Things like temperature can change their ability to lay eggs without blood. For example, in the summer, about 40% of females might be autogenous. But in winter, this number can go up to 85%. This is because cooler temperatures slow down their growth.
Different Populations
Not all Aedes australis mosquitoes are the same. Some groups in places like Tasmania and South Australia are anautogenous. This means these mosquitoes must drink blood to lay their eggs. In eastern New Zealand, almost all Aedes australis mosquitoes are anautogenous. In these areas, humans are often the main source of blood for them.
What Their Eggs Look Like
The eggs of Aedes australis mosquitoes have a unique shape. They are rhomboidal, which means they look like a diamond or a tilted square when you view them from the top or bottom.
See Also
