Mosquitoes spotted in Iceland for first time, researcher says

In a first for historically mosquito-free Iceland, three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes—two females and a male—were confirmed about 20 miles north of Reykjavik, entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson told AFP. The insects, lured to sugary wine ropes hung in a backyard, were spotted over several days by resident Björn Hjaltason and sent for identification. Alfreðsson called it the first record of mosquitoes in Iceland’s natural environment and said they may have arrived via ships or containers. He downplayed warming as the cause, noting the species endures harsh winters and uses diverse breeding sites.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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