NEWS

• Iceland, previously one of the only mosquito-free regions in the world, has reported the presence of mosquitoes for the first time.
• Only Antarctica shared this distinction with Iceland until now.
• Discovery indicates the impact of climate change on species migration and habitat expansion.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discovery and Identification

• Citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason first spotted a mosquito on October 16, 2025, while researching moths.
• Captured specimens were sent to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
• Entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed the species as Culiseta annulata, a large, cold-resistant mosquito.

Possible Causes

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures allow cold-tolerant mosquitoes to survive and reproduce in previously inhospitable regions.
• Human-mediated Transport: Likely introduction via container ships or survival in aircraft landing gear from regions where mosquitoes are common.

Implications

• Public Health: Potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases, though immediate risk remains uncertain.
• Ecological Impact: Mosquitoes may disrupt Iceland’s unique ecosystems.
• Adaptation and Survival:
  • Species can overwinter in basements, attics, and other warm shelters.
  • Climate variability previously prevented mosquito establishment; global warming now increases their survival chances.