Aedes cretinus is a mosquito species of the "Aedes" genus, similar in appearance and hence easily confused with "Aedes albopictus".
Description.
The scutum (back of the thorax) has a thin white midline stripe that forks at the end. There is a small interruption in the white stripe near the "shoulder" area, about 1/3 from the front edge. The overall pattern is similar to other "Stegomyia" mosquitoes like "Aedes albopictus" and "Aedes aegypti", but has longer white lateral lines on the back that almost reach the middle of the scutum.
The larvae of "A. cretinus" can be found in various breeding sites, such as tree holes and used tires.
"A. cretinus" is known to bite humans, but its role as a disease vector is not as well-established as that of other "Aedes" species like "A. albopictus" or "A. aegypti".
Distribution.
This species is primarily found in countries in southeastern Europe such as Greece, North Macedonia, Cyprus, and Turkey. Recent studies indicate that "A. cretinus" populations have declined significantly in Greece following the invasion of "Aedes albopictus". The invasive "A. albopictus" appears to be outcompeting "A. cretinus" in many areas where they coexist.