Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time, as climate change makes the country increasingly suitable for their survival and spread.
Until now, Iceland was one of the few places on Earth, alongside Antarctica, without a resident mosquito population.
Scientists say the insects could establish themselves permanently in Iceland, a country rich in marshes and ponds that provide ideal breeding grounds.
Iceland is currently warming at four times the rate of most other northern hemisphere nations, as glaciers melt and fish that normally thrive in warmer waters are now being found off its coasts.
Matthías Alfreðsson, an entomologist at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, confirmed the discovery after identifying the insects himself, which had been sent to him by a citizen scientist.
“Three specimens of Culiseta annulata were found in Kiðafell, Kjós , two females and one male. They were all collected from wine ropes during wine roping aimed at attracting moths,” he said.
This particular species is known to survive the country’s freezing winters by sheltering in cellars and farm buildings.
