Distribution: The origin of this species is in Asia; in its initial habitat larvae are found in small tree-holes filled with water, but in addition this species shows adaptation to small artificial man-made breeding sites; this habitat preference and the capability of eggs to withstand low temperatures or desiccation facilitated the distribution of S. albopicta throughout the world to all continents by being transported in used-tire containers; as yet the species is recorded in several European countries (Albania, Italy, France, Belgium) (Schaffner et al. 2001, Becker et al. 2003).

Habitat: Larvae are dendrolimnic and naturally found in small tree-holes, bamboo stumps, coconut shells, rock holes or palm fronds, filled with water; furthermore the species shows a capacity to colonise various artificial breeding sites like sewer manholes, flower vases, tin cans, glass bottles, discarded motor vehicle tyres or other small containers (Huang 1972). This high ecological plasticity allows the colonisation of different environments, such as forests, rural villages or peri-urban areas, in tropical as well as in temperate regions (Schaffner et al. 2001).

Biology: S. albopicta is a multivoltine species (Becker et al. 2003). In the field a maximum of five generations per year has been recorded. These generations overlap due to delayed hatching and to the breeding sites' heterogeneity; the eggs, resistant to cold and desiccation, are laid above the water surface, preferentially on dark and rough substrate; a rise in water level will induce the hatching of young larvae; larvae and adults can be found from April-May till November; hibernation takes place during the egg-stage (Schaffner et al. 2001).

Adults: Females feed on humans, mammals, birds, batrachians and reptiles, depending on host presence; they bite during the day, rarely at night and preferably inside dwellings (Schaffner et al. 2001, Becker et al. 2003).

S. albopicta is a vector of dengue and filariasis (Becker et al. 2003). In nature it has been found infected with diverse viruses including West Nile; in laboratory studies it could be infected with numerous viruses (Schaffner et al. 2001).