INVASIVE CREATURES ON EARTH

THE COMMON MALARIA MOSQUITO

Anopheles quadrimaculatus (as it is known scientifically) is a

mosquito that is responsible for most cases of malaria in

North America. They are typically found at sites with abundant

rooted aquatic vegetation, such as rice fields and adjacent

irrigation ditches, freshwater marshes, and the vegetated

margins of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

THE ASIAN LONG-HORNED BEETLE

The Asian long-horned beetle is a large wood-boring beetle that

is native to countries in Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China.

It was first introduced to the US back in the mid-’90’s and twenty

years later it threatens 30–35 percent of the trees in urban areas

of the eastern US. The economic, ecological, and aesthetic

impacts on the United States would be devastating if the

beetle continues to spread.

THE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO

The Asian tiger mosquito is spread via the international tyre trade

due to the rainwater retained in the tyres when stored outside.

In order to control its spread such trading routes must be

highlighted for the introduction of sterilization or quarantine

measures. The tiger mosquito is associated with the transmission

of many human diseases, including dengue fever,

the West Nile virus, and Japanese encephalitis.

THE BURMESE PYTHON

Burmese pythons might be a popular pet because of their

attractive colour pattern, reputed docility, and the allure

(for some, anyway) of owning a giant snake. As predators,

however, Burmese pythons pose a threat to endangered

wildlife in South Florida. Their rapid and widespread

invasion is facilitated by aspects of their natural history

including their diverse habitat use, broad dietary preferences,

long life span, high reproductive output, and ability

to move long distances.

STARLINGS

Don’t be fooled by this bird’s striking colours. The European

starling is a notorious competitor and will aggressively lay claim

to native bird nesting sites, kicking out the resident birds and

their eggs. They compete with native birds for space and food,

but also carry disease, ticks, and mites that are spread to native

bird species and humans. Starlings are also a threat to

farmers since flocks of birds can wipe out crops.

KILLER BEES

Even though movies such as the 1974 film Killer Bees have

succeeded in instilling fear, the bees’ venom is no more toxic

than that of the European honeybee. They are, however, known

to be highly aggressive and sting a lot more, with some victims

receiving more than a thousand stings. In addition to being a

threat to humans, they are also relatively lazy when it comes

to producing honey, making them a threat to agricultural

stability as well.

THE GREY SQUIRREL

The grey squirrel may be cute and fuzzy to look at, but it is an

invasive mammal.  In British Columbia it is ranked by the

Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) as one of the Top 100

Invasive Species in the world. This small mammal has a big

ecological impact, often causing disease (Para poxvirus), and is

responsible for displacing native birds from their nesting

habitat, and eating the birds’ eggs and nestlings.

ZEBRA MUSSELS

Zebra mussels are small, fingernail-sized creatures that attach

to solid surfaces in water. A single female can produce 100,000

to 500,000 eggs per year, contributing to their successful

invasions. These develop into microscopic, free-living larvae

that begin to form shells, taking over huge lakes.