First Mosquitoes Confirmed on Icelandic Soil, Marking End of Unique Status

Historic Discovery in West Iceland

For the first time in recorded history, mosquitoes have been confirmed to be living on Icelandic soil. Three specimens of the species Culiseta annulata were found in West Iceland, specifically in the Kindafel area in Kjós. The discovery was initially made by amateur naturalist Björn Hjaltason on October 16, who reported his findings to the Facebook group 'Insects in Iceland'. Subsequently, entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History officially confirmed the identification. The specimens included two females and one male. This event signifies a notable shift for Iceland, which has long been recognized as one of the only places on Earth, alongside Antarctica, to be entirely free of native mosquito populations.

Iceland's Long-Held Mosquito-Free Status

Historically, Iceland's unique environmental conditions have prevented mosquitoes from establishing a permanent presence. Several factors contributed to this phenomenon:

• Erratic Weather Patterns: Iceland's highly unpredictable climate, characterized by rapid temperature fluctuations, made it difficult for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycle: The island's harsh seasonal shifts and constant freezing and thawing of water bodies disrupted the development of mosquito eggs and larvae, preventing them from maturing into adults.
• Cold Water Temperatures: Most of Iceland's water bodies remained too cold for effective mosquito breeding.
• Volcanic Terrain: The porous volcanic soil allowed water to drain quickly, limiting the stagnant water sources essential for mosquito reproduction.

Even though mosquitoes have occasionally arrived in Iceland as stowaways on planes, they were never able to survive and reproduce in the local environment until now.

Climate Change and the Arrival of Culiseta annulata

Scientists are linking the recent discovery to the effects of rapid global warming. Iceland is experiencing warming at a rate approximately four times the Northern Hemisphere average, creating conditions that are becoming more hospitable for species that previously could not survive there. The species identified, Culiseta annulata, is known for its resilience to cold climates. It is a relatively large, dark brown mosquito characterized by whitish markings on its abdomen and legs, and distinctive spotted wings. This species is widespread across Western Europe and parts of the Middle East and is capable of surviving Icelandic winters by seeking shelter in protected environments such as basements and warehouses. While Culiseta annulata is known to bite humans and other vertebrates, it is generally considered a nuisance species and is not known to transmit major diseases like yellow fever, dengue, or Zika, which are typically associated with mosquito species requiring warmer, tropical climates.