The insects, confirmed as belonging to the Culiseta annulata species, were detected in a region roughly 30 kilometers north of Reykjavík. While isolated and small in number—just three individuals—their presence is unprecedented in Iceland’s natural environment and could suggest larger changes unfolding quietly beneath the surface.
Iceland was once among the last refuges on Earth entirely free of mosquitoes, alongside Antarctica. The frigid winters were thought to be inhospitable for the insects’ survival and reproduction. These new arrivals mark the first confirmed case of mosquitoes establishing themselves outside controlled environments or accidental human transport. Though not proof of permanent settlement, their appearance has stirred a broader conversation about ecological shifts underway.
Insect Surprise in the Wild North
The first sign of mosquitoes in Iceland didn’t come from a research lab but from a curious amateur. Björn Hjaltason, a local naturalist, captured what he described as a “strange fly” on a red wine-soaked ribbon intended for attracting moths. Posting his find in a Facebook group dedicated to insect enthusiasts, he later sent the sample to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, reports The Independent.
According to Icelandic newspaper Morgunblaðið, the insects were identified as Culiseta annulata, a widespread species found across regions ranging from North Africa to Siberia. This mosquito is known for its ability to tolerate subzero temperatures, making its survival in Iceland plausible—though still surprising.
The Natural Science Institute of Iceland confirmed that the three specimens—two females and one male—were discovered in Kiðafell, Kjós. Matthías Alfreðsson, an entomologist at the institute, told RÚV, the country’s national broadcaster, that this was the first recorded instance of mosquitoes living freely in Iceland’s natural landscape.
Arrival Likely Linked to Global Trade, Not Just Climate
While climate change has become a usual suspect in discussions of shifting species patterns, researchers are being cautious about attributing this specific mosquito appearance solely to warming temperatures. The origins of the insects remain unconfirmed, but experts believe they may have arrived via ships or cargo containers.
According to CNN, although a lone mosquito was once detected aboard an aircraft at Keflavík International Airport, this is the first time such insects have been found in an open-air, non-artificial habitat. This distinction matters, as it could represent either an isolated incident or the beginning of a more permanent biological foothold.
Still, Iceland’s climate is warming fast—up to four times faster than the Northern Hemisphere average—leading to ecological changes on multiple fronts, including the arrival of marine species like mackerel in previously colder waters. Alfreðsson emphasized that while Culiseta annulata may already be cold-hardy, increasing temperatures could pave the way for less robust mosquito species to survive as well, should they reach the island.
A Symbol of Broader Environmental Transformation
Mosquitoes have been creeping steadily northward for years. Species known for spreading diseases such as dengue and Zika, like the tiger mosquito, have already been found in the UK. Iceland’s recent encounter with mosquitoes adds another marker to this expanding map.
Even in small numbers, their presence in Iceland challenges long-held assumptions about the island’s isolation from certain global ecological patterns. The appearance of this single species may be just one of many biological signs pointing to larger climatic shifts that are difficult to perceive day by day.
As reported by The Independent, while the specific cause behind the mosquitoes’ arrival is still being investigated, the discovery reinforces growing evidence that warming temperatures are rewriting long-standing biological boundaries—even in places as seemingly untouched as Iceland.
