Mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland for the first time: consequences for the climate

Mosquitoes that survived in natural conditions have been recorded in Iceland for the first time. This confirmed scientists' predictions about climate change and gradual warming on the island. This was reported by

Glavkom

referring to the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service Ruv.

Entomologists have confirmed the appearance of mosquitoes in Iceland for the first time. Three insects were discovered on October 16 in the municipality of Kjosarhreppr in the northwest of the country by participants of a local Facebook group dedicated to insects.

Climate warming has caused the appearance of mosquitoes

After verification, the Icelandic Institute of Natural Sciences established that this is the species Culiseta annulata, which is well adapted to low temperatures. According to entomologist Mattias Alfredsson, these mosquitoes are likely to remain in Iceland permanently.

Scientists do not exclude that the appearance of mosquitoes is related to the gradual warming of the climate: back in 2015, midges appeared in Iceland, which became harbingers of such changes.

A study published in the journal Nature was conducted by scientists who studied the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. They found that at a distance of about 10 cm, mosquitoes can sense the heat of human skin, and upon landing, they can feel its temperature directly. In addition to thermal signals, insects navigate by the scent of carbon dioxide and skin moisture, combining information from several sensory organs, which allows them to effectively 'hunt' for humans even in difficult conditions.

The discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland confirms the climate changes and warming on the island. Entomologists have confirmed the presence of mosquitoes and believe they may remain on the island permanently. The appearance of mosquitoes is associated with the gradual warming of the climate, which poses a threat to residents and biodiversity in Iceland.