Genetics of Aedes albopictus.

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Southeast Asia. Its distribution extends from Madagascar to Hawaii and is currently expanding. From its proposed origin in Southeast Asia, Ae. albopictus has migrated as far as Mauritius and Madagascar to the west and Korea, Japan, Guam, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands to the east. In the continental United States, it was originally reported in the Texas area in August 1985 and is now well established in several states. This paper reviews information on distribution, cytology and genetics of Aedes albopictus. In addition, it includes comments on its competitive interaction with several other species. Relevant information on evolutionary genetics of certain other related sibling species is also included for comparative purposes.