Iceland has become known as a safe haven from mosquitoes but that might be changing. Three mosquitoes were found in Kjós by the bay Hvalfjörður on the weekend, probably those three were already plotting expansion for the species locally. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History has confirmed that these are unfortunately indeed mosquitoes.

This type of mosquitoes (Culiseta annulata) is common and widespread in Europe, adapting well to colder climates. This species has never been found before in Iceland though. It is one of the largest mosquito types, with spotted wings and boldly banded legs and abdomen. 

The Culiseta annuleta tends to keep itself warm over winter in shaded places such as cellars and livestock houses. 

What about the mosquitoes by Lake Mývatn?

The buzzing insects by Mývatn are not mosquitoes, but related flies called gnats or midges. Mývatn is in fact named after gnats, its name literally means the Lake of Gnats.

Some people have also confused mosquitoes with the subspecies Ceratopogonidae, which is a type of gnats that first appeared in Iceland 10 years ago (in 2015). This species is commonly known as no-see-ums in English, sand flies or biting midges. They are tiny and can be difficult to see with bare eyes, only 1-3 millimeters long.

Going back to actual mosquitoes, it remains to be seen whether they will survive the coming winter in Iceland, but probably they are here to stay.