Impact of larvae of the Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictuson larvae of theCulex pipienscomplex from Germany in laboratory co‐breeding studies

Abstract

AbstractSince the first detection of the Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus(Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in Germany in 2007, several populations of this species have established in Germany. Although colloquiallyAe. albopictusis called an ‘invasive species’, it is not considered ‘invasive’ and therefore to be controlled according to the European Union (EU) Environmental and Nature Protection Act since evidence of displacement of native species is missing. To test the competitive potential ofAe. albopictustowards mosquito species native to Germany, laboratory experiments were conducted with larvae of this species and indigenousCx. pipienscomplex species/biotypes. First instar larvae ofAe. albopictusand of one of the native taxa were exposed to different temperatures and fed with different food sources. The ratio of individuals developing into adults as well as the time the larvae needed for development were taken as a measure of competitive outcome. In addition, the size of emerging adults was compared between control and experimental groups. Regarding developmental time, no significant differences were found between treatments and controls while significant differences were found regarding developmental rate and average wing size of individuals. Because no evidence of competitive repression of the native species was found,Ae. albopictuscannot be included in the EU list of invasive species.