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Iceland Sees First Wild Mosquitoes Amid Climate Change

10/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Natural Science Institute confirmed Iceland's first wild mosquitoes—three Culiseta annulata—identified by citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason on October 16, 2025, in Kjós near Reykjavík.
They likely arrived via international freight, aided by rising temperatures and climate change.
Previously, Iceland's harsh winters kept mosquitoes from establishing.
Although not a direct health threat, their presence signals environmental change, with Antarctica now the only region without mosquitoes.

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Story summary

The Natural Science Institute confirmed Iceland's first wild mosquitoes—three Culiseta annulata—identified by citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason on October 16, 2025, in Kjós near Reykjavík.
They likely arrived via international freight, aided by rising temperatures and climate change.
Previously, Iceland's harsh winters kept mosquitoes from establishing.
Although not a direct health threat, their presence signals environmental change, with Antarctica now the only region without mosquitoes.