First Record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in the Netherlands

In the summer of 2005, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta in Reinert et al., 2004) was found inside and around three different horticultural companies near Aalsmeer in the Netherlands. The species was identified both by morphology and ITS2DNA sequencing. Although a few adults were also found outdoors, it remains unclear whether these were “escapees” or if indeed the species is reproducing outdoors in or near the site of introduction. This record constitutes the northernmost finding of Ae. albopictus in Europe to date at 52 o N. The introduction is associated with the import of Dracaena plants, colloquially known as ‘lucky bamboo’, from China.

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