Iceland has found its first mosquitoes

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SUMMARY

Iceland has identified its first mosquitoes, raising concerns about climate change's impact on the island's ecosystem. The species discovered is notably hardy but does not pose a significant health risk to humans. The introduction of mosquitoes is attributed to climate shifts, despite Iceland's traditionally hostile environment for such insects. Additionally, the growing population of biting midges, introduced approximately ten years ago, presents a more immediate nuisance to residents.

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How did they get there?
 
martinbn said:
How did they get there?
I think thats the major question, climate change is already being blamed, but the climate and flora of Iceland is particularly hostile to mosquitoes, despite warming of a few degrees. like many insects they are of course "frequent fliers". The species identified does appear to be quite hardy, but it doesn't represent a significant risk to human health. However not to worry, you can still be eaten alive by the growing biting midge population, apparently introduced around 10 years ago.
 
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Yesterday I read about a species of mosquito that evolved to live in the London underground (subway).
It is derived from a much more common European mosquito species. It may have evolved to live in caves before finding the underground.
 
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It's remarkable how adaptable mosquitoes can be when conditions shift, even slightly. Iceland has always seemed like one of the last safe zones.
 

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