For centuries, Icelanders have enjoyed a unique claim: theirs was one of the only places on Earth where the persistent whine of a mosquito was a complete stranger. That remarkable run has come to an end. In mid-October 2025, scientists officially confirmed the presence of wild mosquitoes in Iceland for the very first time, marking a turning point not only for the island nation’s ecosystem but also as a visible sign of larger environmental changes sweeping the globe.
The discovery unfolded in Kjós, a small municipality nestled about 20 to 30 kilometers north of Reykjavík. Local insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason was conducting a routine evening of insect observation on his farm, using a tried-and-true method: strips of fabric soaked in sweetened red wine, known as “wine ropes,” which typically lure moths and other insects. But on October 16, Hjaltason spotted something unusual flitting around the bait. His keen eye and deep knowledge of Iceland’s native fauna told him this wasn’t just any fly. Over several days, he collected three distinct specimens—two females and one male—that simply didn’t fit the mold of the country’s usual insect suspects.
Curious and cautious, Hjaltason reached out to the Natural Science Institute of Iceland. There, entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson took the case. Through microscopic inspection, Alfreðsson confirmed what Hjaltason had suspected: the insects were indeed mosquitoes, specifically of the species Culiseta annulata. This cold-tolerant European mosquito is well-known for its ability to survive harsh winters, a trait that sets it apart from its tropical cousins.
The news, first reported by The Economic Times and corroborated by several scientific outlets, sent ripples through the Icelandic community and beyond. After all, Iceland’s status as a mosquito-free haven had been a point of both pride and practical comfort. Suddenly, the country found itself thrust into a new ecological era. “The recent mosquito sightings in Iceland are likely linked to the effects of climate change,” Carla Vieira, a mosquito-borne virus researcher at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia, told the press. “Rising global temperatures and milder winters are creating more favorable conditions for mosquitoes to survive and reproduce in regions that were previously too cold for them.”
Iceland experienced record-high temperatures in 2025, with scientists calling it one of the warmest years in the island’s history. This warming trend is not unique to Iceland, but the arrival of mosquitoes—an insect so closely associated with warmer climes—makes the shift tangible in a way that few other changes have. As Vieira noted, “As the climate continues to warm, the seasonal window suitable for mosquito survival may gradually expand, increasing the likelihood of future sightings or even temporary populations during warmer months.”
How did these mosquitoes arrive in Iceland? The answer, scientists say, is likely a combination of factors. Increased global transportation—cargo ships, airplanes, vehicles, and shipments of goods or plant material—offers ample opportunity for stowaways. According to reporting from The Economic Times and The Times of India, mosquitoes or their eggs and larvae have been detected on aircraft arriving in Iceland before, but never had they been able to survive and establish themselves. The fact that three specimens of Culiseta annulata were found alive, and in both male and female forms, suggests that conditions are now at least sporadically suitable for their survival.
It’s important to note, as experts have repeatedly emphasized, that the presence of three mosquitoes does not necessarily mean that a stable, year-round population already exists in Iceland. Philip Weinstein, a public health professor at the University of Adelaide, told The Washington Post, “Even for a cold adapted species, the harsh conditions of Iceland would make it more challenging for it to survive and establish itself locally.” Still, he added, the mosquitoes could establish a population in the area “if lucky.”
What does this mean for public health? For now, the risk appears minimal. Culiseta annulata is not known to transmit infectious diseases to humans. Unlike some of their notorious relatives, such as those that carry malaria, dengue, or Zika, these mosquitoes are considered more of a nuisance than a genuine health threat. Weinstein was clear: “The mosquitoes are extremely unlikely to act as a disease transmitter,” even if they do persist. For disease to spread, there would need to be infected animals for the mosquitoes to bite, followed by a “considerable warm period for the virus to develop in the mosquito.”
Yet, the ecological implications could be more profound. Mosquitoes, particularly in their larval stage, are a part of aquatic food webs. Iceland’s numerous shallow ponds and wetlands could become new breeding grounds if conditions continue to warm, potentially altering local insect and bird populations. More immediately, Icelanders may have to contend with the familiar summertime woes of bites and buzzing—an annoyance that, while minor, represents a notable cultural shift.
Scientists and public health officials are urging the public not to panic. “A few mosquitoes do not equal a health crisis,” noted The Times of India, echoing the advice of several entomologists. Instead, they encourage vigilance and citizen science. Hjaltason’s discovery was made possible in part by his willingness to share findings on social media, sparking a wave of interest and further reports from the community. Authorities recommend that anyone spotting unusual insects should document and report them to natural history institutes or public health bodies. Early detection will be key to monitoring whether these mosquitoes are a one-off occurrence or the start of something more permanent.
Practical advice is also being shared: eliminate standing water in buckets, barrels, and gutters to reduce potential breeding sites, and keep an ear out for official guidance as surveillance efforts ramp up. As climate change continues to alter habitats worldwide, Iceland’s experience serves as a vivid reminder that even the most isolated and seemingly stable ecosystems are not immune to global forces.
With this change, Antarctica now stands as the last continent without documented mosquitoes. For Iceland, the arrival of Culiseta annulata is more than a curiosity—it’s a living indicator of how a warming world is reshaping the boundaries of life itself. The coming years will reveal whether these first arrivals are the start of a new era or just a fleeting anomaly in the island’s natural history.
