For the first time in recorded history, Iceland has reported the presence of mosquitoes within its borders, a development that signals a subtle but significant change in the Arctic ecosystem. The discovery, confirmed by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, marks the end of Iceland’s long-standing reputation as one of the few countries in the world entirely free from the pesky insects.
Earlier this month, local insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason discovered three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes on a farm in Kjós, just north of Reykjavík. Hjaltason spotted what he initially described as a “strange fly” resting on a red wine ribbon on the evening of October 16. “I immediately suspected what was going on and quickly collected the fly. It was a female,” he told Icelandic broadcaster RÚV. Following that, he trapped two more insects. All three were later turned over to authorities for identification and testing, which confirmed the presence of two females and one male mosquito.
The Natural Science Institute believes the mosquitoes likely arrived via freight shipments, as there have been previous instances of mosquitoes being discovered on airplanes traveling to Iceland. Remarkably, these insects appear capable of surviving Iceland’s traditionally harsh climate, a development that highlights the growing impact of climate change on the region. Over the past several years, scientists have noticed a rise in the number of new insect species appearing in Iceland, a trend linked both to warmer temperatures and the expansion of global transport networks.
The species identified, Culiseta annulata, is commonly found throughout Europe and other Nordic countries. While they are known to bite humans and animals, the institute emphasized that these mosquitoes do not carry any known diseases in the regions where they are normally found. A 2017 study described the species as “a biting nuisance rather than a deadly foe,” indicating that while their arrival may be uncomfortable, it does not pose a significant health risk.
The broader context, however, is more concerning. The Arctic, including Iceland, is warming at more than twice the rate of the global average, according to climate scientists. Rising temperatures are reshaping ecosystems, enabling species that previously could not survive the harsh northern climate to establish themselves. Iceland’s mosquito arrival serves as a small but clear signal of these changes, highlighting how global warming is impacting even remote parts of the world.
Globally, there are over 3,000 mosquito species, but only a fraction transmit dangerous diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. While the Icelandic mosquitoes are not known to carry these diseases, their appearance underscores the interconnected nature of climate change, international travel, and the spread of species.
With the confirmed arrival of mosquitoes, Antarctica is now the only continent entirely free of the insects, leaving it as the final holdout in a world increasingly affected by climate change and species migration. For Icelanders, the introduction of mosquitoes may be a minor annoyance compared to other environmental challenges, but it represents a tangible sign that no corner of the globe is immune to the effects of a warming planet.
The discovery also sparks questions about how Iceland will adapt to these and other new insect species. Local authorities and scientists are closely monitoring the situation, noting that while the immediate threat is low, future years may see an expansion of mosquito populations if warmer conditions persist. As climate change continues to alter habitats worldwide, Iceland may soon find itself sharing its landscape with insects that were once unimaginable in its cold environment.
For now, the arrival of mosquitoes in Iceland is a small but telling reminder of the broader environmental shifts occurring across the globe — a subtle buzz that signals change, even in one of Earth’s most isolated and previously bite-free regions.