Introduction of Mosquitoes in Iceland
For the first time, mosquitoes have been found in Iceland, a country that has long been one of the few places on Earth free from them, according to an investigator interviewed by AFP on Monday.
The Discovery
Matthias Alfredsson, an entomologist at the Institute of Natural Sciences in Iceland, reported finding three mosquitoes: two females and one male, approximately 30 kilometers north of the capital, Reykjavik.
These mosquitoes were collected from wine cords intended to attract moths, explained Alfredsson in an email. The method involves adding sugar to hot wine and submerging cords or fabric strips in the solution, which are then hung outdoors to attract insects.
All were identified as Culiseta annulata, he specified.
Historical Context and Implications
Iceland, along with Antarctica, has been one of the few places on Earth without a mosquito population for a long time.
“This is the first natural occurrence record of mosquitoes in Iceland. Many years ago, a single specimen of Aedes nigripes (an Arctic mosquito species) was collected from a plane at Keflavik airport,” Alfredsson clarified, adding that “unfortunately, that specimen was lost.”
He suggested the mosquito presence might “indicate a recent introduction to the country, possibly through ships or containers.”
Alfredsson also noted that while mosquitoes could potentially spread across the island, further monitoring in spring would be necessary to confirm their establishment in Iceland.
Climate Change and Mosquito Survival
Global warming, with rising temperatures, longer summers, and milder winters, creates a favorable environment for mosquitoes to thrive.
However, Alfredsson emphasized that the warmer climate is likely not the reason for mosquitoes appearing in Iceland.
“This species seems well-adapted to cold climates, mainly due to its ability to hibernate as adults in sheltered places. This allows them to withstand long, harsh winters when temperatures drop below zero,” he explained.
The species, found throughout Europe, “also uses diverse breeding habitats, further enhancing its ability to persist in Iceland’s challenging environment.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who discovered the mosquitoes in Iceland? Matthias Alfredsson, an entomologist at the Institute of Natural Sciences in Iceland.
- What species were found? Culiseta annulata
- How many mosquitoes were discovered? Three (two females and one male)
- Where were the mosquitoes found? Approximately 30 kilometers north of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
- What might have led to their presence? Alfredsson suggests a recent introduction, possibly through ships or containers.
- How might climate change play a role? Warmer temperatures and milder winters create a more favorable environment for mosquitoes, although the species found in Iceland appears well-adapted to cold climates.
