Scientists confirm first-ever mosquitoes in Iceland

For the first time in recorded history, mosquitoes have been discovered living in Iceland, a country long thought to be one of the last places on Earth free from them. Scientists have confirmed that three adult mosquitoes were found north of Reykjavík, marking a significant ecological milestone that experts link directly to a warming climate.

First Recorded Specimens

Discovery Near Reykjavík Confirmed by Scientists

Entomologists from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History confirmed that two female and one male mosquito, all belonging to the species Culiseta annulata, were collected near Kiðafell in Kjós, roughly 30 kilometres north of Reykjavík.

The specimens were caught in outdoor traps as part of ongoing environmental monitoring efforts. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the insects’ species and indicated that they had not been transported accidentally, they had developed locally, meaning this was the first documented case of mosquitoes breeding naturally in Iceland’s environment.

Until now, Iceland’s extreme weather conditions had prevented mosquitoes from surviving long enough to complete their life cycle. The combination of cold temperatures, short summers and sudden frosts historically made it impossible for larvae to mature before freezing.

How Warmer Weather Changed the Pattern

Longer Summers Create Survival Conditions

Researchers suggest that a steady rise in average temperatures and milder seasonal transitions are responsible for the mosquitoes’ appearance. Warmer autumns and shorter periods of frost have provided the time and warmth necessary for species such as Culiseta annulata to reproduce. This mosquito is native to Europe and commonly found in countries such as the UK, Norway and Denmark. Known for its ability to withstand cool climates, it is still remarkable that it has now managed to establish itself in Iceland, a nation previously considered too cold to support any mosquito population.

Environmental Implications

Scientists Monitor for Broader Ecological Change

While Culiseta annulata is not known to carry diseases such as malaria or dengue, its successful establishment signals a broader environmental shift. Iceland’s insect population has been limited due to its sub-Arctic climate, and the arrival of a new species suggests that climate patterns may be changing rapidly enough to alter local ecosystems.

The presence of mosquitoes could also affect native wildlife, including bird and fish species that rely on specific insect populations for food balance. Environmental authorities are now conducting follow-up surveys to determine whether these mosquitoes can survive the coming winter, a factor that will decide whether the species can establish a permanent presence.

A Symbol of a Warming Planet

Mosquito Arrival Fits Global Trend

This discovery fits into a wider pattern already being documented across northern Europe and the Arctic. Warmer temperatures have allowed insects and parasites to expand into regions where they were once unable to survive. Scientists have observed similar shifts in Alaska, Canada, and northern Scandinavia, where mosquitoes and ticks have appeared earlier and persisted longer each year. The finding in Iceland, a country that once prided itself on being “mosquito-free”, highlights how no region is entirely insulated from the effects of global warming.

Summary

• Mosquitoes have been recorded in Iceland for the first time.
• The insects, identified as Culiseta annulata, were found near Reykjavík.
• They are believed to have developed locally, not imported accidentally.
• Scientists link the discovery to rising temperatures and milder winters.
• Authorities are monitoring whether the species can survive future seasons.

Winter Will Be the Real Test

Researchers plan to monitor breeding sites through the winter months to determine whether the mosquitoes’ larvae can survive Iceland’s sub-zero conditions. If they do, it will confirm that the insects have established a sustainable population, a striking indicator of how climate change is reshaping ecosystems, even in the world’s coldest corners. For now, the number of mosquitoes found remains extremely small, but their presence marks a symbolic turning point. The country once famous for its lack of biting insects can no longer claim to be entirely mosquito-free.