A citizen science report—Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria

A citizen science initiative in Graz, Austria, has confirmed the breeding of Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, in urban allotment gardens. This invasive species, known for transmitting pathogens like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, was first reported in Austria in 2012 and later documented in Vienna in 2020. The study identified 217 eggs and 14 adult specimens of Ae. albopictus in Graz, with molecular analysis revealing identical haplotypes among some adults. Graz's mild climate and abundance of green spaces provide ideal conditions for the mosquito's reproduction. While the findings suggest local breeding activity, further monitoring is needed to determine if stable populations can establish themselves in the region.

Reichl, J., Prossegger, C., Eichholzer, B., Plauder, P., Unterköfler, M. S., Bakran-Lebl, K., Indra, A., & Fuehrer, H.-P. (2023). A citizen science report—Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria. Parasitology Research, 123(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-023-08106-9