Iceland just found its first mosquitoes

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 10:20 am

Iceland Confirms First Mosquito Discovery, Raising Climate Change Concerns

Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland has recorded its first confirmed presence of mosquitoes in the wild, marking a significant development for the island nation. Scientists announced the discovery of three mosquitoes, identified as belonging to the *Culiseta annulata* species, in western Iceland. This species is native to a broad area of the Eastern Hemisphere and is known to be adaptable to colder climates.

The mosquitoes were found by a local resident who then contacted an entomologist at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland. The entomologist confirmed the identification and noted that while a single mosquito had been found on an airplane previously, this is the first instance of the insects occurring naturally in Iceland.

The exact origin of the mosquitoes remains uncertain, with theories suggesting they may have arrived via ships or containers. Experts are planning further monitoring to determine if the species can survive the Icelandic winter and establish a permanent presence.

The discovery has sparked discussions about the potential impact of climate change. Rising global temperatures are known to expand the range of mosquitoes, which thrive in warmer, more humid conditions. Iceland has already experienced the effects of climate change, including record-breaking heat in recent months.

While some experts suggest that warming temperatures may enhance the potential for other mosquito species to establish themselves in Iceland, others urge caution in directly linking the discovery to global warming. They emphasize the need for further research to understand the complex dynamics of mosquito range shifts.

BNN's Perspective: The discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland highlights the evolving impact of climate change on ecosystems. While the direct link to global warming is still under investigation, the event underscores the need for continued monitoring and adaptation strategies as the planet warms.

Keywords: Iceland, mosquitoes, climate change, Culiseta annulata, entomology, global warming, environment, insects, discovery, warming temperatures

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