Iceland has reported mosquitoes within its borders for the first time. This month, three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes — two females and one male — were found on a farm in Kjós, north of Reykjavík, NPR reported, citing the Natural Science Institute of Iceland.
The institute confirmed that the insects, which are common in other Nordic countries, likely arrived via freight and appear capable of surviving Iceland’s increasingly milder climate. Previously, mosquitoes in Iceland had only been found on arriving aircraft.
Experts say the finding reflects broader environmental changes as rising temperatures driven by climate change, along with increased international transport, are introducing new species to the country. While Culiseta annulata can bite, they are not known to transmit diseases in Europe.
Meanwhile, a recent State of Climate Action report reveals that global coal use surged to a record high in 2024, signaling that the world is falling off track to meet the international commitment to limit global heating to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.
