Iceland is no longer mosquito-free. Three ringworms have been discovered in the last few days. This was confirmed by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
October 21, 2025, 10:12October 21, 2025, 10:14
Mosquitoes have never ruined the holidays of visitors to Iceland. The land of fire and ice has so far been mosquito-free.
An entomologist has now discovered three specimens of the mosquito species Culiseta annulata. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History has already confirmed the find. This species is particularly widespread in Northern Europe – it is considered to be relatively cold-resistant. In winter she likes to warm herself up in cellars or barns.
«I immediately had a guess as to what it could be and quickly collected the mosquito. It was a female.”
Matthías Alfredsson, entomologist at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History..
This is the first time that a mosquito has been found on Icelandic soil, said the entomologist.
The ringworm Culiseta annulata is cold-resistant. Image: Shutterstock
The so-called ring fly is largely harmless to humans and only transmits the Tahyna virus, which causes mild, flu-like symptoms. For birds, however, ring flies pose a greater risk because they can transmit various species of Plasmodium, which cause diseases such as avian malaria in birds. These parasites are harmless to humans.
It is still unclear whether the mosquitoes are just a temporary introduction and whether they can establish themselves in Iceland. The country has so far been mosquito-free due to its cool climate, short summers and changeable weather patterns, which make it difficult for mosquitoes to spread. (cst)
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