Striped Mosquito Aedes notoscriptus

This Australian native has become a surprisingly effective global invader, jumping continents to establish populations in New Zealand (since 1918) and Southern California (since 2014). What makes it truly formidable is its aggressive daytime biting behavior—unlike most mosquitoes that attack at dawn or dusk, this one strikes whenever it pleases. It's also a significant vector for dog heartworm, Ross River virus, and Barmah Forest virus, meaning this innocent-sounding backyard mosquito is far more dangerous than its name suggests.