Mosquitoes spotted in Iceland for the first time in recorded history

For the primary time in recorded historical past, mosquitoes have landed in Iceland.

The Nordic nation, situated simply south of the Arctic Circle, is rising as one fashionable journey vacation spot for its huge panorama, geothermal power and distinctive wildlife.

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One other benefit of touring to Iceland is that mosquitoes have by no means inhabited the European island – till now.

Icelandic broadcast community RUV introduced that scientists from the Icelandic Institute of Pure Historical past have confirmed the primary mosquitoes in Iceland.

Reykjavík, Iceland, is the nation’s capital and largest metropolis, situated close to the place the primary mosquitoes had been noticed. (iStock)

Three mosquitoes had been noticed western Iceland close to Reykjavik, the capital and largest metropolis within the nation.

The bugs had been recognized earlier this month by Björn Hjaltason, who reported the discover in a Fb group referred to as ‘Bugs in Iceland’.

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“At daybreak on the night of October 16, I noticed an odd fly on a tire,” Hjaltason stated, referring to a tire he makes use of to draw bugs. “I instantly suspected what was occurring and the fly was rapidly captured.”

The Icelandic Institute of Pure Historical past has confirmed that the mosquitoes belong to the species Culiseta annulata, pictured proper. (Lauren Abbondondolo; iStock)

Hjaltason despatched the specimen to the Institute of Pure Historical past, the place it was confirmed by entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson in Iceland that they had been mosquitoes – particularly the species Culiseta annulata.

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In accordance with the RUV report, Alfreðsson stated there’s a probability the mosquitoes are “right here to remain” as this specific species is tolerant to cold weather.

The entomologist confirmed that that is the primary time a mosquito has been on Icelandic soil, though scientists had predicted they might arrive finally.

Iceland is thought for its huge wildlife, from whales to wild horses. (Lauren Abbondondolo)

In accordance with EU tourism knowledge, inbound tourism in Iceland skilled substantial progress – from 813,215 journeys in 2021 to greater than 3 million in 2023. The variety of in a single day stays additionally elevated from greater than 3 million to greater than 8 million.

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Iceland’s distinctive setting consists of an energetic volcano, pure sizzling springs, 1000’s of picturesque waterfalls and glaciers – together with Vatnajökull, which covers 8% of the nation’s land space.

Within the colder months, Iceland is a well-liked location to see the Northern Lights, whereas spring and summer time supply alternatives to see uncommon wildlife comparable to puffins.