Iceland has recorded mosquitoes within its borders for the first time in history

Question

For the first time in recorded history, Iceland has confirmed the presence of mosquitoes within its borders. The discovery was made by insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason, who captured three specimens on a farm in Kjós, just north of Reykjavík. After turning them over to the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, the insects were identified as Culiseta annulata — a species known to survive in colder European climates.

The institute stated that the mosquitoes likely arrived by freight and may now be capable of surviving Iceland’s warming climate. This development reflects the broader environmental impact of global warming and increased international trade, which have introduced new insect species to Iceland in recent years. Although these mosquitoes are known to bite, the institute confirmed that Culiseta annulata does not transmit diseases in the regions where it’s typically found.

Until now, Iceland was considered mosquito-free, largely due to its cool and stable climate. With this finding, Antarctica remains the only continent without mosquitoes. The discovery highlights how climate change is rapidly altering ecosystems, even in the world’s coldest regions.

Answer 1

This claim is true. Mosquitos used to not be able to thrive in Iceland due to the lack of stagnant water and its low temperatures. With their recent record-hitting heatwave, there have been sitings of a specific type of Mosquito that is able to survive the winter, Culiseta Annulata. (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz3vv62pgo). The Natural Science Institute confirmed this discovery, and has suspicions of these bugs catching a ride by freight (https://www.natt.is/is/frettir/2025/10/moskitofluga-greind-islandi-i-fyrsta-sinn). This seems to be an effect of climate change, as mentioned by the New York Times, as the Icelandic glacier “Okjokull” has completely melted away from these temperatures, while some plants and animal species are in the beginning stages of extinction and invasive species, such as these mosquitos, are making their way into the Icelandic ecosystems. (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/world/europe/iceland-mosquito-discovery.html).  

Answer 2

After researching further into this claim, I discovered that this is indeed true. Due to global warming, mosquitoes are now able to survive in Iceland, where it was previously too cold to survive. According to BBC, "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, which were later confirmed to be Culiseta annulata, one of the few species that can successfully survive winter." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz3vv62pgo. However, they state that further monitoring and studies will have to be done to confirm that they can still survive there long-term. Overall, yes, mosquitoes are now found in Iceland, making Antarctica the only remaining place in the world where mosquitoes cannot live. 

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5582748/iceland-mosquitoes-first-time

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/21/mosquitoes-found-iceland-first-time-climate-crisis-warms-country

Answer 3

1. Write a brief overall summary of your findings.

This claim is true, according to several reliable news outlets. In October 2025, three mosquitoes were captured near Reykjavik and later confirmed by Iceland's Natural Science Institute as Culiseta annulata, a species that can survive in cooler climates. This marks the first time mosquitoes have been officially recorded in Iceland's history. Scientists think they probably arrived through imported goods and managed to survive because of Iceland's warming temperatures.

2. What primary sources did you find (e.g., transcripts, videos of politician speeches, tweets from public figures, scientific studies)? For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

The Natural Science Institute of Iceland identified the insects and confirmed the finding through media statements. Local enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason, who first caught them on his farm in Kjios, provided the samples for analysis.

3. What secondary sources did you find (e.g., newspapers, magazines)? Only use secondary sources if sufficient primary sources are not available. For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

• The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/21/mosquitoes-found-iceland-first-time-climate-crisis-warms-country: "Mosquitoes found in Iceland for first time as climate crisis warms country" reports the discovery and explains how it reflects broader climate changes.
• LiveScience https://www.livescience.com/animals/mosquitos/are-there-any-countries-with-no-mosquitoes "Are there any countries with no mosquitoes?" - Confirms that Iceland can no longer claim to be mosquito-free
• Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/10/23/iceland-mosquitoes-climate-change/"Iceland spots its first mosquitoes amid concerns over warming climate" Add expert opinions on how warming and global trade might explain their arrival.

4. What potential biases or interests might each of your sources have?

Most of these sources are science or climate-focused, so they highlight the discovery's link to climate change. That angle might make the story sound more dramatic, but the basic facts about the mosquito discovery are well-documented.

5. What evidence supports the claim you are fact-checking?

The confirmed identification by the Natural Science Institute and multiple independent reports show that mosquitoes were indeed found for the first time. This is backed up by entomologists who identified the species and verified that such insects hadn't been recorded in Iceland before.

6. What evidence undermines the claim you are fact-checking?

Some experts point out that this doesn't necessarily mean mosquitoes have established a stable breeding population yet. It might just be a few individuals carried by trade or travel. Still, the discovery itself is real.

Answer 4

This claim is true. After further research, I examined the source attached to this statement. NPR News is a well-respected journalism organization. The author of this specific article is an experienced reporter. With the article, it is asserted that the information is primarily sourced by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland and the World Population Review. Additionally, the original discovery was made first-hand by insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason, which he stated in an interview. This is a fairly recent topic of discussion, with the original article being published on October 22, 2025. Many other reputable organizations and sources would support this claim, including BBC News and CNN News. BBC News is a UK News organization that is independently funded, lacks bias, and incorporates strong editorial standards. In an article titled, 'Mosquitoes found in Iceland for first time after record heat,' BBC exclaims, "Mr Hjaltason sent the insects to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History to be identified, where entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed his suspicions." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz3vv62pgo. This demonstrates the investigative measures these reputable sources take to get primary information. Throughout the article, it is established that the information is gathered from studies and interviews. Furthermore, CNN is a well-renowned media outlet with award-winning journalism and an impressive global reach of real-time information. In an article posted by CNN's senior london-based climate writer Laura Paddison, CNN states, "This week, scientists announced the discovery of three mosquitoes — marking the country’s first confirmed finding of these insects in the wild." https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/21/climate/iceland-mosquito-discovery. Paddison collected information from interviews with epidemiologists, studies, and analyses from Icelandic organizations. Overall, this statement is objectively true. Supported with a credible source, this claim is easy to verify and is properly confirmed by several other major media corporations. 

Answer 5

On October 21st, 2025, the Natural Science Institute of Iceland confirmed the discovery of multiple mosquitoes for the first time in Iceland. Three insects were captured on a farm in Hjós by insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason and were identified as being of the species Culisetta annulata. The species is common in other European countries, and is believed to have reached Iceland via a freight. The Natural Science Institute of Iceland regard the discovery as a result of a warming climate and increased travel to the region. Secondary sources corroborating the discovery include credible institutions such as the BBC and NPR.

The Natural Science Institute: 

https://www.natt.is/is/frettir/2025/10/moskitofluga-greind-islandi-i-fyrsta-sinn?fbclid=IwY2xjawNl8N1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnZmRPc0pIcUxDNlJsQ1NmAR45foGk_3pIjIDqjMH-50hN5-i2CUAj6FsPL4hEkaWZ8lc0h1tLsyktelnTaA_aem_wlwSCjZGFcXY4q7woY7BAw

BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz3vv62pgo

NPR:

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5582748/iceland-mosquitoes-first-time

Answer 6

After looking into the source, I found that the claim was true. NPR is the source listed and is a known reliable source. It states how the discovery of three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes were discovered and confirmed by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland. They seem to have been arrived through freight and were able to withstand Iceland’s climate. Björn Hjaltason said he found the mosquitoes on a farm in Kjos. According to the article, this now means that Antarctica is the only place in the world without mosquitoes. Just how the claim stated, climate change has caused temperatures to rise across the world. Everything stated in the claim seems to be true according to the article and its sources, making this claim true.  

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5582748/iceland-mosquitoes-first-time

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-without-mosquitoes

https://www.climatecentre.org/15612/in-iceland-existing-statistics-on-weather-extremes-do-not-apply-study/

https://www.natt.is/is/frettir/2025/10/moskitofluga-greind-islandi-i-fyrsta-sinn?fbclid=IwY2xjawNl8N1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnZmRPc0pIcUxDNlJsQ1NmAR45foGk_3pIjIDqjMH-50hN5-i2CUAj6FsPL4hEkaWZ8lc0h1tLsyktelnTaA_aem_wlwSCjZGFcXY4q7woY7BAw

Answer 7

From what I found, this statement is true, and mosquitoes were indeed found in Iceland. This is most likely linked to global warming, from what the scientists have found out. In the past, mosquitoes were never found in Iceland until now, and the only colder climate area where they don't normally inhabit is Antarctica. They showed up most likely from shipping or freight, and it's uncertain if a population will form. Yet they will most likely be established as warmer weather comes around. Overall, this is a true statement and has correct evidence to back it up.

Sources:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/mosquitoes-found-in-iceland-for-the-first-time-in-history-now-only-one-place-on-earth-remains-mosquito-free/articleshow/124741871.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com&from=mdr

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/10/23/iceland-mosquitoes-climate-change/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Answer 8

Yes, Iceland has recorded mosquitoes within its borders for the first time. As reported by the BBC, NPR, The Guardian, and The New York Times, three mosquitos were discovered on October 16th and confirmed on October 21st by Natural Science Institute of Iceland after testing. They were found by a man named Björn Hjaltason in the Kjósarhreppur municipality of Iceland. 

On how the insects arrived, The Natural Science Institute stated "It is not clear how the fly arrived here, but it is likely that it was transported by freight." [translated from Icelandic with Google Translate] The institute also drew a connection to rising temperatures and encouraged the public to report and document further mosquito sightings via photograph or sample.

Sources:
www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz3vv62pgo
www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5582748/iceland-mosquitoes-first-time
www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/21/mosquitoes-found-iceland-first-time-climate-crisis-warms-country
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/world/europe/iceland-mosquito-discovery.html
https://www.kjos.is/
www.natt.is/is/frettir/2025/10/moskitofluga-greind-islandi-i-fyrsta-sinn