Mosquitoes found in Iceland for 1st time as temperatures in the region rise

Mosquitoes have been detected in Iceland for the first time, amid rapid regional warming. Insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason reported a “strange fly” on Oct. 16 in Kjós; three Culiseta annulata—two females and a male—were later confirmed by entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson after being caught on red wine ropes used to attract moths. The cold-tolerant species commonly breeds in artificial containers, aiding its spread. Iceland, warming four times faster than the rest of the northern hemisphere, may now sustain the insects; Antarctica is now the only location on Earth without mosquitoes. Scientists lauded the citizen-led discovery.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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