An Archipelago, Dozens of Species
The Caribbean is home to more than 150 mosquito species belonging to about twenty different genera. Among them, only a few species are of major health concern for humans. Understanding their biological and behavioral characteristics is essential for adapting your protection.
Aedes aegypti: The Tropical Tiger Mosquito
Aedes aegypti is undoubtedly the most feared species in the Caribbean. Originally from Africa, it spread to all tropical and subtropical regions of the globe over the centuries, unintentionally transported by merchant ships.
Identification
- Size: 4–7 mm
- Color: black with characteristic white markings on the thorax (white lyre pattern) and legs
- Abdomen: white bands on a black background
Behavior
Aedes aegypti is a diurnal mosquito, active primarily in the early morning (2 hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (2 hours before sunset). Contrary to popular belief, it does not only bite at night.
It is strongly anthropophilic (it prefers to feed on humans) and endophilic (it readily lives and rests inside homes). It rarely travels more than 100 meters from its birthplace.
Preferred Breeding Sites
Aedes aegypti is a quintessentially domestic mosquito. It breeds in small containers of stagnant water near homes:
- Flower pot saucers
- Used tires
- Clogged gutters
- Cans, buckets, tarps
- Vases, decorative fountains
Diseases Transmitted
- Dengue (4 serotypes)
- Chikungunya
- Zika
- Yellow fever (rare in the Caribbean but possible)
Aedes albopictus: The Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an invasive species originating from Southeast Asia that established itself in the Caribbean in the 1980s–1990s. It is now present on virtually all islands.
Identification
Similar to Aedes aegypti but with a median white line on the thorax (instead of the white lyre). Slightly smaller.
Behavior
Also diurnal, Aedes albopictus is more exophilic (prefers outdoor spaces) and more zoophilic (also bites animals) than Aedes aegypti. It tolerates cooler temperatures better, which explains its expansion to higher latitudes.
Preferred Breeding Sites
More diverse than those of Aedes aegypti: tree holes, cut bamboo, banana leaves, in addition to artificial containers.
Diseases Transmitted
- Dengue (secondary vector)
- Chikungunya (very efficient vector)
- Zika
- More than 20 other arboviruses
Anopheles albimanus: The Malaria Vector
Anopheles albimanus is the main vector of malaria in the Caribbean. Unlike Aedes mosquitoes, Anopheles mosquitoes are nocturnal — they bite primarily between sunset and sunrise.
Geographic Distribution
Malaria is now eliminated or very rare in most Caribbean islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Cuba, Puerto Rico). However, it persists in certain areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where it represents a real risk for travelers.
Identification
- Elongated body, characteristic resting posture (abdomen raised at 45°)
- Wings with dark spots
- Palps as long as the proboscis (unlike Aedes)
Preferred Breeding Sites
Anopheles albimanus prefers clear, sunny waters: rice paddies, coastal marshes, lagoons, riverbanks.
Culex quinquefasciatus: The Hot Night Mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus is the most abundant species in urban areas of the Caribbean. A nocturnal mosquito, it is responsible for significant nuisance but poses a lower health risk than Aedes.
Diseases Transmitted
- Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) — rare but present on some islands
- West Nile virus — uncommon in the Caribbean
- St. Louis encephalitis — sporadic cases
Preferred Breeding Sites
Stagnant water rich in organic matter: ditches, sewers, polluted ponds.
Species Summary Table
| Species | Activity | Main Diseases | Caribbean Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aedes aegypti | Diurnal | Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika | Very high |
| Aedes albopictus | Diurnal | Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika | High |
| Anopheles albimanus | Nocturnal | Malaria | Moderate (Haiti, DR) |
| Culex quinquefasciatus | Nocturnal | Filariasis, WNV | Low |
Practical Tips by Species
Knowing the species present at your destination allows you to tailor your protection:
- Martinique, Guadeloupe, Cuba, Puerto Rico: daytime protection is the priority against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
- Haiti, Dominican Republic: both daytime AND nighttime protection, medical consultation for antimalarial chemoprophylaxis
- Rural and forested areas: enhanced protection, impregnated mosquito nets are mandatory
Conclusion
The biodiversity of mosquitoes in the Caribbean is remarkable, but only a few species represent a real danger to human health. By knowing the species present at your destination and their behaviors, you can adapt your protection in a targeted and effective way.