For the first time ever, mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland – a country once known as one of the few places in the world without them. This surprising event follows a season of record-breaking heat that that has changed the country’s climate in unexpected ways.
An Icelandic insect enthusiast recently made this discovery while studying moths using wine-soaked ropes at night. Over several evenings, he noticed three unusual insects – two female mosquitoes and one male. The samples were later confirmed to be Culiseta annulata, a mosquito species that can survive in colder conditions.
The insects were found in Kjós, a quiet glacial valley located southwest of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Until now, Iceland and Antarctica were the only mosquito – free regions on Earth. The country’s freezing temperatures and lack of stagnant water had long kept mosquitoes away. But that may now be changing.
The discovery was shared on social media, where the enthusiast described seeing “a strange fly on a red wine ribbon”. He said he immediately knew it was something new, adding, “The last fortress seems to have fallen.” His post drew attention online and was later verified by entomologists at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
Experts confirmed that the insects were Culiseta annulata, a species common in Europe and North Africa. It remains uncertain how these mosquitoes reached Iceland. However, scientists believe they might have arrived through ships or shipping containers — or possibly spread naturally due to the unusually warm weather.
Iceland’s climate has typically been too cold for mosquitoes to breed. But this year, the country recorded extreme heat levels. In May, temperatures stayed above 20°C (68°F) for ten straight days – a rare and prolonged heatwave. Iceland also experienced its hottest May day ever, with 26.6°C (79.8°F) recorded at Egilsstaðir Airport.
These conditions have scientists concerned. A report from the Global Heat Health Information Network warns that rising global temperatures could have “significant” effects on ecosystems in cold regions. Many species in Iceland have adapted to life in low temperatures, and even small increases in heat can cause major environments shifts.
Researchers plan to continue monitoring Iceland next spring to determine whether this mosquito species can survive and reproduce. If it does, it will mark a historic environmental change for the Island nation.
The insect enthusiast who found the mosquitoes believes they may have arrived through ships docking near Grundartangi, about six kilometers from his home. He noted that if three mosquitoes reached his garden, there are likely more nearby.
The discovery highlights the broader issue of climate change and its effect on ecosystems around the world. As global temperatures rise, species that once could not survive in certain regions are beginning to adapt – and even thrive – in new places.
Iceland’s situation shows how quickly environmental changes can occur. A country once thought too cold for mosquitoes is now seeing the first signs of these insects settling in. Scientists agree that this is a clear reminder of how global warming continues to reshape our planet’s natural balance.
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