Mosquitoes Found in Iceland for the First Time

On October 16, 2025, Björn Hjaltason, an insect enthusiast, discovered mosquitoes in Iceland for the first time, specifically in Kjós, southwest of Reykjavík. He found the insects on a strip of fabric soaked in red wine, which he used to attract moths and other insects.

After collecting the unusual insect, he sent it for identification, and scientists at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History confirmed it was a mosquito. Hjaltason later found two more, bringing the total to three mosquitoes identified as Culiseta annulata, a species known for its ability to tolerate cold conditions.

The exact method of their arrival in Iceland remains unproven, but international freight is considered a likely route, as the garden where the mosquitoes were found is approximately six kilometers from Grundartangi, a major industrial and shipping port. This discovery raises concerns about the potential for mosquitoes to hitch rides with international trade.