In a plot twist worthy of a sci-fi flick, Iceland—long hailed as one of Earth’s last mosquito-free zones—has recorded its first-ever wild mosquito sightings! 🚨 Three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes (two females, one male) were found near Reykjavik, shattering the island’s bug-free bragging rights.
How Did They Get There? 🕵️♂️
Entomologist Matthias Alfredsson told AFP the insects might’ve hitched rides on ships or cargo containers. The trio was caught using wine ropes—a quirky moth-trapping hack involving sugar-soaked fabric strips. 🍷✨ While climate change often gets blamed for shifting ecosystems, Alfredsson notes this species thrives in cold climates, making Iceland’s frosty winters no obstacle.
Why It Matters 🌏
This discovery isn’t just a trivia-night factoid. Mosquitoes can disrupt local ecosystems and even spread diseases. Researchers plan spring monitoring to track their spread. For now, though, Icelanders might want to stock up on citronella candles! 🔥
