For the first time on record, mosquitoes have been discovered living outdoors in Iceland — a country long known for its lack of these insects. The unexpected finding is being closely tied to rising temperatures in the Arctic, a shift that scientists say is changing the makeup of Iceland’s natural environment.
Officials at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History confirmed that three mosquitoes were collected from a farm in Kjós, located just north of Reykjavík. The insects have been identified as Culiseta annulata, a species capable of withstanding cooler climates and commonly found across northern Europe.
This marks the first verified instance of mosquitoes surviving in the wild in Iceland, a significant development in a region where harsh winters have previously prevented their presence.
Discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland sparks scientific attention
The discovery was made earlier this month by Björn Hjaltason, an insect enthusiast who spotted one of the mosquitoes while observing insects near his home. He noticed the insect clinging to a red wine lure — a tool typically used to attract moths. Suspicious of its appearance, he captured it and soon found two more nearby.
After turning the specimens over to local authorities, laboratory tests confirmed their identity. The findings were soon announced by the national institute, which described the event as a milestone in Iceland’s environmental history.
🚨 For the first time ever, mosquitoes have reached Iceland.
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 22, 2025
Mosquitos have been detected on Icelandic soil for the first time on record.
Up until this month, Iceland was one of the only places on the planet that didn’t have a mosquito population thanks to its inhospitable… pic.twitter.com/EgkCUSBc3u
Experts note that Culiseta annulata is well adapted to northern climates and has been widely observed in countries such as the United Kingdom. While they are known to bite, the species is not considered a health threat in colder regions, as it does not carry common mosquito-borne diseases.
The mosquito’s ability to lay eggs in containers such as buckets and flowerpots has made it highly adaptable, even in areas with short summers.
Climate conditions fuel new species in Iceland
Researchers believe the mosquitoes most likely arrived in Iceland through international freight, a common pathway for insects. Though mosquitoes have occasionally appeared on aircrafts landing in the country, none had previously managed to survive in Iceland’s outdoor conditions.
The discovery aligns with broader environmental trends, as scientists have documented a growing number of insect species arriving and adapting to Iceland’s changing climate. According to World Weather Attribution, the island is warming up to four times faster than other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, creating a more welcoming environment for insects that once couldn’t survive there.
Until now, Iceland’s cold winters and brief summers helped prevent mosquito populations from becoming established. With the presence of Culiseta annulata, Antarctica is now thought to be the last continent without mosquitoes.
Although these particular mosquitoes do not pose a direct health risk, scientists say the situation is a strong reminder of how climate change is reshaping ecosystems around the world — even in places once considered too cold for such species to thrive.