Which Aedes species breeds in snowpools?

Which Aedes species breeds in snowpools?

• A. Ae. tahoensis
• B. Ae. albopictus
• C. Ae. aegypti
• D. Ae. sierriensis

Answer: (A)

Snowpools represent a cold, ephemeral aquatic habitat that only certain Aedes mosquitoes have adapted to exploit. Aedes tahoensis is the species known to breed in these alpine snowmelt pools, developing in the cool, temporary waters that appear in mountainous environments like the Sierra Nevada. This specialization sets it apart from other Aedes that rely on different habitats—Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti are typical urban container breeders, while Ae. sierrensis tends to breed in tree holes and other natural containers on the western coast. The snowpool environment is the key factor that makes Ae. tahoensis the best fit for this question.

Snowpools represent a cold, ephemeral aquatic habitat that only certain Aedes mosquitoes have adapted to exploit. Aedes tahoensis is the species known to breed in these alpine snowmelt pools, developing in the cool, temporary waters that appear in mountainous environments like the Sierra Nevada. This specialization sets it apart from other Aedes that rely on different habitats—Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti are typical urban container breeders, while Ae. sierrensis tends to breed in tree holes and other natural containers on the western coast. The snowpool environment is the key factor that makes Ae. tahoensis the best fit for this question.