Is Aedes albopictus in Australia?

In Brisbane during October 1988 one larva of the exotic dengue vector Aedes albopictus (Skuse) was collected by quarantine officers from a consignment of used vehicle tyres imported from Asia. Although this is not the first report of this mosquito in Australia, the finding was of sufficient importance to change quarantine procedures. Subsequently in Darwin during June 1989, two Ae. albopictus larvae were recovered from an ovitrap located near the wharves. This article reviews the global expansion of this species and, on the basis of previous imports of tyres into Australia, suggests that Ae. albopictus may already be established in this country.