Which description accurately characterizes Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger)?

• A. Exotic species from Japan; it is not a container breeder.
• B. Native to North America; nocturnal and not a day biter.
• C. Small/medium, black with white stripes on legs, thorax, head; aggressive daytime biter; breeds in containers; eggs laid above waterline; overwinter as eggs or adults; not strongly attracted to light traps.
• D. Large mosquito; not biting humans.

Answer: (C)

Key idea: identifying Aedes albopictus by its size, distinctive markings, daytime biting, container-breeding habits, and egg-laying and overwintering behavior, all of which shape how you control and monitor it.

This description matches well. Aedes albopictus is small to medium in size and dark, with white bands on the legs and lighter markings on the thorax and head. It is an aggressive daytime biter, which sets it apart from many species that bite mainly at night. It breeds in containers—things like buckets, tires, and other artificial hold water—and that means control efforts should focus on eliminating standing water in such receptacles and applying larvicides to persistent container habitats if needed. The eggs are laid just above the waterline in containers and can withstand dry conditions, hatching when the container floods. In temperate areas, the species can overwinter in the form of eggs (and in some situations may persist in sheltered adults), which explains why it can re-infest areas after winter. Surveillance can be challenging because this mosquito isn’t strongly drawn to light traps, so relying solely on light traps can underestimate its presence.

Other descriptions would conflict with these traits. Labeling it as not a container breeder ignores its well-known association with artificial water-holding containers. Describing it as native to North America and primarily nocturnal contradicts its invasive status and daytime biting behavior. Saying it’s large and not biting humans obviously mismatches its typical size and its impact on humans as a biting pest.