In a groundbreaking revelation that has startled both scientists and environmentalists, mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland for the first time ever. The finding, confirmed by experts, follows a period of unprecedented heat in the Nordic island nation — a development that many say could signal alarming shifts in the country’s fragile ecosystem due to climate change.
For decades, Iceland had remained one of the last bastions on Earth free from mosquitoes, largely because of its cold climate and lack of standing water suitable for breeding. The only other mosquito-free region known to date is Antarctica. That status, however, appears to have changed after the recent discovery made by local insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason.
According to Icelandic media reports, Hjaltason stumbled upon the mosquitoes over several nights last week while conducting his regular insect observation activities in Kjós, a glacial valley located southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. He had set up wine-soaked ropes to attract moths when he noticed something unusual.
“I could tell right away that this was something I had never seen before,” Hjaltason wrote on a local wildlife Facebook page, describing the moment he spotted what he called “a strange fly on a red wine ribbon.” He captured two female mosquitoes and one male, later identified as Culiseta annulata, one of the few species capable of surviving winter conditions.
Hjaltason’s excitement quickly turned into concern when he realized the ecological significance of his find. “The last fortress seems to have fallen,” he remarked — a statement reflecting how Iceland’s natural resilience against mosquitoes may have finally been breached.
The specimens were promptly sent to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, where entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed their identity. Speaking to CNN, Alfreðsson explained that Culiseta annulata is a species commonly found across Europe and North Africa, often known for its hardiness in cooler climates. However, he noted that how these mosquitoes reached Iceland remains uncertain.
“It’s too early to conclude whether the species has become established in the country,” Alfreðsson said. “Further monitoring next spring will be crucial to understanding whether this was an isolated occurrence or part of a developing trend.”
Experts say the emergence of mosquitoes in Iceland — once thought impossible — could be linked to climate change and global temperature increases. The country, typically characterized by cool summers and subarctic conditions, has recently experienced unprecedented heatwaves.
Historically, Iceland’s temperatures rarely exceed 20°C in May, and heatwaves, when they occur, usually last no more than two or three days. This year, however, the country recorded ten consecutive days above 20°C across several regions. The highest temperature ever recorded for May — 26.6°C at Egilsstaðir Airport — shattered all previous records.
Such anomalies, scientists warn, could disrupt delicate ecosystems that evolved under consistently cold conditions. A June study by the Global Heat Health Information Network cautioned that sustained temperature increases in colder regions like Iceland could lead to “significant ecological transformations,” including the introduction and survival of non-native species.
Climate experts have long argued that global warming is reshaping patterns of biodiversity worldwide. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently reported that human activity has “unequivocally” warmed the atmosphere, oceans, and land, altering weather patterns and ecosystems in ways that are often irreversible.
The presence of mosquitoes — small as they may seem — could therefore have far-reaching implications for Iceland. Apart from the potential for irritation and disease transmission, the insects could signal broader ecological instability. In regions where mosquitoes have historically thrived, they play complex roles in the food chain; however, in places like Iceland, the introduction of such a species could upset natural balances.
“It’s not just about a few insects,” said Alfreðsson. “It’s about what their arrival represents. Mosquitoes are sensitive to temperature and water availability, and their presence here may be an indicator of how rapidly our environment is changing.”
The discovery has also sparked speculation about how the insects arrived on the island. Hjaltason suspects they may have been inadvertently transported via shipping routes. “One always suspects Grundartangi,” he said, referring to a nearby industrial port just six kilometres from his home. “Things often arrive with ships and containers, so it’s possible something came in that way. But if three of them came straight into my garden, there were probably more.”
Environmental researchers agree that Iceland’s changing climate, combined with increased global trade and tourism, could make the country more vulnerable to the introduction of foreign species. Over the past few years, Iceland has seen a rise in temperatures, longer summers, and an increase in imported goods and travelers — all factors that could contribute to the accidental import of insects like mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, residents and environmentalists are calling for increased surveillance to monitor insect populations and to prepare for potential consequences. “We have entered a new environmental phase,” said an environmental activist in Reykjavik. “What was once unthinkable — mosquitoes in Iceland — is now a reality. It’s a wake-up call for everyone concerned about climate change.”
The World Population Review notes that Iceland’s previously mosquito-free status was maintained by its frigid climate and limited stagnant water sources, both of which have been changing. Melting glaciers, warmer summers, and shifting rainfall patterns have created conditions that could, for the first time, support mosquito breeding.
Scientists warn that if the species establishes itself, the implications could extend beyond mere nuisance. While Iceland’s climate still poses challenges to mosquito proliferation, even temporary survival suggests a threshold has been crossed.
“Whether they thrive or not, their presence means something fundamental has shifted,” said Alfreðsson. “It’s another reminder that no place on Earth is truly insulated from the effects of a warming world.”
As Iceland enters the winter months, researchers will closely observe whether the mosquitoes can withstand the coming cold season. If they return next spring, experts say it would mark the start of a new era in Iceland’s natural history — one that vividly illustrates how even the smallest creatures can signal the largest transformations on our planet.
Reported by Africa Live News Climate Desk
