Asian tiger mosquito vs Common house mosquito
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an Asian tiger mosquito from a common house mosquito, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Common house mosquito
Culex pipiens
≠The key differences
Culex species are generally browner, lack the striking dorsal white stripe and leg banding, and are more active at dusk and night rather than during the day.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian tiger mosquito | Common house mosquito | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Disease vector | Disease vector |
| Size | 5-10 mm body length | 4-7 mm body length |
| Colours | Black, White, Very dark brown | Brown, Tan, Gray |
| Family | Culicidae | Culicidae |
| Habitat | Urban, suburban and rural areas near houses; breeds in small, shaded water containers (tires, buckets, plant saucers, gutters, tree holes). | Urban and suburban areas; breeds in stagnant or polluted standing water (gutters, storm drains, containers, septic effluent, ditches). Adults rest in dark sheltered areas like garages, basements and vegetation. |
| Range | Native to Southeast Asia; now established across much of the tropics and subtropics and parts of temperate regions worldwide due to transport in used tires, plants and vehicles. | Cosmopolitan in temperate regions; present across North America, Europe, parts of Asia, Africa and elsewhere where suitable breeding sites and hosts exist. |
| Active | Daytime (diurnal), especially early morning and late afternoon; most active in warm months and in temperate zones from late spring to early autumn. | Mainly evening, night and dawn; active season depends on climate (spring to autumn in temperate zones). |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot an Asian tiger mosquito
- Look for a single white stripe running down the center of the thorax (dorsal white line).
- Check legs for alternating white bands on the dark legs—especially the hind legs.
- Small size (5-10 mm) and day-active biting behavior distinguish it from many other mosquitoes.
- Eggs are laid on container walls just above the waterline and can withstand drying.
🔍How to spot a common house mosquito
- Medium-small mosquito, overall brown to gray, lacking the bold black-and-white banding of Aedes species.
- Males have feathery antennae; females have sparse antennae and a long proboscis for biting.
- Often found resting in sheltered, shaded spots during the day and active at dusk and night.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Asian tiger mosquito and a common house mosquito?
Culex species are generally browner, lack the striking dorsal white stripe and leg banding, and are more active at dusk and night rather than during the day.
Is an Asian tiger mosquito or a common house mosquito more dangerous?
Asian tiger mosquito: Disease vector. Common house mosquito: Disease vector. Females bite people to obtain blood for egg development; bites are often painful and can cause local itching. Female Culex pipiens bite humans and birds to obtain blood.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.