For years, Iceland has been one of the few places on Earth where travellers could enjoy nature without the constant buzz of mosquitoes.
Rapha Wilde/Unsplash
That peaceful streak may have come to an end after the insects were recently spotted in the glacial valley of Kjós, just outside Reykjavík.
Nature enthusiast Björn Hjaltason made the surprising find while studying moths using ropes soaked in wine as bait. Among the insects drawn to the traps were two female mosquitoes and one male, later identified as belonging to the species Culiseta annulata. These mosquitoes are known for their ability to survive cold winters, which makes their arrival in Iceland especially noteworthy.
Why Iceland was once mosquito-free
Iceland has long been considered a mosquito-free destination because of its low temperatures and lack of stagnant water, which mosquitoes need to breed. Scientists believe that this new development may be linked to one of the warmest springs on record for the country.
A sign of a changing climate
Experts suggest that the appearance of mosquitoes in Iceland could signal broader climate shifts. Warmer temperatures may be creating conditions where cold-adapted species can now survive, even in places once too harsh for them.
What this means for travellers
For travellers, the news is both curious and cautionary. It highlights how even the most untouched natural landscapes are shifting with the climate. Whether these tiny newcomers will settle in permanently remains to be seen, but their arrival is a reminder that nature’s boundaries are constantly changing.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Take a trip to the boutique wine estates keeping their bottles close to home
