Researchers have confirmed the first-ever discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland, one of the last few places on Earth believed to be mosquito-free.
Entomologist Matthias Alfredsson of the Natural Science Institute of Iceland told AFP that three specimens of Culiseta annulata, two females and one male were recently found about 30 kilometres north of Reykjavik.
“They were all collected from wine ropes aimed at attracting moths,” Alfredsson explained, describing a method where ropes soaked in heated, sugary wine are suspended outdoors to lure insects.
Until now, Iceland, alongside Antarctica, had remained among the few regions without any native mosquito populations.
“This is the first record of mosquitoes occurring in the natural environment in Iceland,” Alfredsson confirmed.
He recalled that years ago, a single specimen of Aedes nigripes, an Arctic mosquito species had once been discovered aboard an airplane at Keflavik Airport, though that sample was later lost.
The entomologist suggested that the newly found mosquitoes may have arrived “via ships or containers,” possibly transported inadvertently through trade or tourism routes. However, he cautioned that more studies would be needed to determine whether the insects could survive Iceland’s notoriously harsh winters.
“Further monitoring in the spring will be needed to determine whether they have established a stable population,” Alfredsson said.
The Culiseta annulata species is known for its resilience in cold climates and ability to endure long periods of freezing temperatures. Alfredsson noted that its adaptability and varied breeding habitats could help it persist in Iceland’s challenging environment.
