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Aedes albopictus, a potential and likely vector of dengue, has been introduced in the American gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, and Florida and in the U.S.-Mexico Border States. There is evidence that
Aedes albopictus could spread further south since Aedes albopictus breeds on the edge of forests and has adapted to the domestic environment throughout several areas of its geographical range thus, making it harder to control. One of the most important differences between the North American population of
Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti is their latitudinal distribution. While
Aedes aegypti populations are limited to the southern portion of the United States due mainly to their inability to tolerate very low temperatures,
Aedes albopictus populations have evolved a photoperiod-induced egg diapause, which may allow them to colonize temperate and northern latitudes. In addition, temperate strains of
Aedes albopictus, such as the North American ones, show egg-cold hardiness, which enables the species to survive the sub-optimal winter temperature found in the northern latitudes of the United States.
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