Aedes hensilli is a mosquito species originally collected in 1945 on Ulithi atoll in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean, about 191 km (103 nautical mi) east of Yap State.[1] It is the most abundant and widespread Aedes (Stegomyia) species mosquito in Yap State, the only Aedes (Stegomyia) species on Woleai, and the only species of mosquito present on Eauripik.[2]
The specific epithet recognizes the collector of the type specimens, Dr. George S. Hensill.[1]
Larvae of Ae. hensilli develop in empty coconut shells, tree holes, and bamboo, and in artificial containers such as tin cans, discarded drums, barrels, bottles, tires, tarps, and floats; larvae were not found in leaf axils of pandanus trees or in taro plants.[1] Water barrels used to collect rainwater are major contributors to mosquito production due to the high number of larvae and pupae hosted in them.[3]
The adults are active primarily at dusk.[1]
Aedes hensilli is a potential vector of dengue virus[2] and Zika virus[3] and laboratory studies have indicated that it could play a role in transmitting other medically important arbovirus and chikungunya viruses [3]