Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the very first time, as the country experiences warmer temperatures caused by climate change. With this discovery, Antarctica remains the only place on Earth without mosquitoes.
Discovery of Mosquitoes in Iceland
On Monday, Iceland’s Natural Science Institute confirmed the presence of three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes in the country. These insects are thought to have arrived through freight shipments and appear capable of surviving Iceland’s cold climate. The discovery was made after insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason spotted an unusual fly on October 16 while it rested on a red wine ribbon. Suspecting it was a mosquito, he captured the female insect and later caught two more. All three were sent for testing and confirmed as two females and one male mosquito.
Climate Change Drives New Insect Arrivals
The Natural Science Institute noted that these mosquitoes are among several new insect species recently discovered in Iceland. Climate change and increased global transportation are allowing more species to enter and survive in this previously inhospitable environment. The Culiseta annulata species typically lives in cold climates across Europe and Nordic countries, often hiding in basements and outbuildings. With the Arctic warming at twice the global average, Iceland’s environment is becoming more suitable for these cold-adapted mosquitoes.
As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists expect more changes in insect populations and ecosystems in the Arctic and Nordic regions.
