Mosquitoes Found in Iceland for the First Time

• For the first time, mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland , ending its status as one of the world’s few mosquito-free regions. The finding was confirmed by Matthias Alfredsson , an entomologist at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland , who identified the species as Culiseta annulata . With this, Antarctica is now the only mosquito-free region on Earth.

Key Points

First Discovery:

• Three mosquitoes—two females and one male—were found about 30 km north of Reykjavik . They were captured using wine-soaked ropes meant to attract moths, marking the first confirmed presence of mosquitoes in Iceland’s natural environment.

Possible Introduction:

• Experts believe the insects may have arrived accidentally through shipping routes or cargo containers , linked to Iceland’s increasing maritime trade. Monitoring is underway to determine if the species can establish a permanent population .

Climate and Adaptation:

• Although some attribute new insect arrivals to global warming , Alfredsson notes that Culiseta annulata is naturally capable of surviving cold climates. The species can endure long freezing periods and adapt to harsh northern conditions.

Ecological Adaptation:

• Known as the “cold-country mosquito,” Culiseta annulata thrives in northern Europe and Russia . Its flexible breeding habits , from puddles to man-made containers, make it well-suited to a range of environments — including Iceland’s cold landscape.

Impact and Monitoring:

• Scientists plan to observe the insects through spring 2026 to see if they can reproduce locally. While not a major disease carrier, their arrival highlights the growing impact of global trade and environmental shifts on isolated ecosystems.

GK Facts

• Iceland and Antarctica were previously the only mosquito-free regions.

• Culiseta annulata can survive freezing temperatures and severe winters.

• Mosquitoes have existed for over 100 million years and inhabit every continent except Antarctica.

• Rising global temperatures are expanding mosquito habitats and increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases.

In summary:
The appearance of mosquitoes in Iceland marks a notable ecological shift, showing how global connectivity and environmental change are reshaping even the most remote natural habitats.