Global Invasion and Phenotypic Plasticity of The Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) Albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), An Invasive Vector of Human Diseases: Review of The Problem and The Evidence

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an important vector of viral and parasitic pathogens including dengue and chikungunya viruses. It is actually known as the most threatening invasive species in the world. In recent years these mosquitoes have invaded and adapted to both tropical and temperate climes where have been responsible for large outbreaks of diseases. The success keys of their invasion and establishment are mainly their phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to different environments. Its ecological plasticity and its superior competitive ability were reviewed and discussed based on the available published and unpublished reports. The consequences of their invasion on public health are also highlighted. Further, control measure plans related to the management and diseases transmitted by this invasive vector species are also discussed.