Overview
- Three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes—two females and one male—were collected on Oct. 16 in Kiðafell, Kjós, about 20–30 miles north of Reykjavík.
- This marks the first verified record of mosquitoes in Iceland’s natural environment; a lone aircraft specimen was noted years earlier but not in the wild.
- Entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed the identification after citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason captured the insects on wine‑soaked ropes used for moth trapping.
- Experts say the find could reflect a recent introduction via freight such as ships or containers, and they will check in spring for overwintering and signs of breeding.
- The species is adapted to cold and can shelter through winter; it is generally considered a nuisance in these regions and is not known to carry local diseases, with scientists cautioning against attributing the discovery directly to recent warmth.