Mosquitoes Detected in Iceland for First Time
For the first time in recorded history, mosquitoes have been found on the island nation of Iceland. Entomologists confirmed three specimens of the species Culiseta annulata—one male and two females—captured in mid-October in the valley of Kjós near Reykjavík.
What the Experts Say
Scientists say the discovery likely reflects warming temperatures and milder winters in Iceland, which have made conditions more suitable for insects previously unable to survive the harsh climate. While the species found is not known to transmit tropical diseases, researchers emphasise that the presence of mosquitoes in a region once thought inhospitable signals ecological change.
Broader Climate Implications
Until now, Iceland and Antarctica were the only places on Earth largely free of mosquito breeding. With the finding confirmed, Iceland may now mark one of the final regions to lose that status. Many scientists see this as another indicator of how warming and shifting environmental conditions are extending the range of species into formerly protected zones.
