Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time after the country experienced record-breaking heat this spring.
Insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason encountered the mosquitoes over several nights last week while using wine-soaked ropes to observe moths, local media reported.
Mr. Hjaltason found two female mosquitoes and one male that were later confirmed to be Culiseta annulata, a species known for its hardiness during winter.
Iceland was one of only two mosquito-free havens globally prior to this finding, with Antarctica being the only other known location.
The mosquitoes were discovered in Kjós, a glacial valley southwest of Reykjavik. Hjaltason shared his discovery on Facebook, describing his encounter: I could tell right away that this was something I had never seen before.
Mr. Hjaltason sent the insects to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History for identification, where entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed his findings. The species is prevalent across parts of Europe and North Africa, but the methods by which they reached Iceland remain unclear.
The discovery follows Iceland's record high temperatures this year, including 26.6C (79.8F) at Egilsstaðir Airport, defying the typical climate norms where temperatures seldom exceed 20C (68F) in May.
The changes in climate are raising concerns about the impact on local ecosystems that have historically adapted to colder temperatures. A study by the Global Heat Health Information Network noted that such shifts could be disruptive.
Mr. Hjaltason speculated that the mosquitoes may have arrived via shipping routes, considering Grundartangi is a nearby port.
Experts conclude that further monitoring will be essential in spring to determine if this mosquito species has become established in Iceland.
