Iceland Records Its First Wild Mosquitoes as Temperatures Rise
For the first time in recorded history, Iceland — a country long considered too cold and inhospitable for mosquitoes — has found the insects living in the wild. Scientists confirmed the discovery this week, marking a potential shift in the island nation’s ecosystem and a possible signal of changing climatic conditions.
The First Mosquitoes Found in Iceland
The discovery occurred in Kiðafell, Kjós, roughly 20 miles north of Reykjavík, when local resident Björn Hjaltason noticed an unusual-looking fly at dusk on October 16. Realizing it could be a mosquito, he captured it and contacted Matthías Alfreðsson, an entomologist from the Natural Science Institute of Iceland.
Alfreðsson examined the specimen and confirmed it belonged to the Culiseta annulata species — a mosquito native to large portions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Two female mosquitoes and one male were collected in total. This marks Iceland’s first confirmed case of mosquitoes existing in the natural environment, rather than being brought in accidentally.
Previously, a single mosquito had been found at Keflavík International Airport — likely transported via airplane — but it did not survive. This new discovery, however, suggests the insects may now be capable of living, at least temporarily, in Iceland’s wild habitats.
The Culiseta annulata species is known to survive in colder climates better than most mosquitoes. According to Alfreðsson, these insects can “hibernate” during winter by taking shelter in protected areas, allowing them to endure freezing conditions. Still, scientists remain cautious, emphasizing that further monitoring next spring will reveal whether the species can withstand Iceland’s long, harsh winters and become fully established.
Climate Change and the Expanding Mosquito Frontier
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions — and as global temperatures climb, their range continues to expand northward. Researchers have long warned that climate change will allow these insects to colonize new territories, increasing the risk of spreading mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue.
Iceland, too, has been experiencing warmer conditions. In May 2024, temperatures in parts of the country were recorded over 18°F above average, according to the World Weather Attribution network. The organization reported that this kind of extreme heat has become 40 times more likely due to human-driven climate change.
However, scientists are careful not to jump to conclusions. Alfreðsson noted that while rising temperatures could make Iceland more hospitable to mosquitoes, it’s still uncertain whether climate change directly caused their appearance.
Dr. Colin J. Carlson, an epidemiologist at Yale University, echoed this caution. He explained that mosquitoes have already been found far north in Scandinavia, and their arrival in Iceland could have occurred even without major climate shifts. “Climate change may have made this more likely,” he said, “but we can’t yet say it’s the direct cause.”
Whether driven by warmer weather or mere chance, the discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland is a milestone moment for the island — one that could have broader implications for ecosystems across the Arctic region as the planet continues to warm.
