For the first time in recorded history, Iceland has confirmed the presence of mosquitoes within its borders. The discovery was made by insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason, who captured three specimens on a farm in Kjós, just north of Reykjavík. After turning them over to the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, the insects were identified as Culiseta annulata — a species known to survive in colder European climates.
The institute stated that the mosquitoes likely arrived by freight and may now be capable of surviving Iceland’s warming climate. This development reflects the broader environmental impact of global warming and increased international trade, which have introduced new insect species to Iceland in recent years. Although these mosquitoes are known to bite, the institute confirmed that Culiseta annulata does not transmit diseases in the regions where it’s typically found.
Until now, Iceland was considered mosquito-free, largely due to its cool and stable climate. With this finding, Antarctica remains the only continent without mosquitoes. The discovery highlights how climate change is rapidly altering ecosystems, even in the world’s coldest regions.
