Overview
- The Icelandic Institute of Natural History confirmed three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes—two females and one male—collected outdoors in Kjós/Kiðafell west of Reykjavík.
- Citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason captured the insects on October 16 using wine‑baited cords for moth sampling and sent the specimens for identification.
- Authorities have launched coordinated surveillance and urge residents to submit photographed reports to map the species’ distribution and seasonality.
- Researchers note the species can overwinter in basements and barns, increasing its chances of survival as Iceland experiences rapid warming.
- Experts report no immediate major public‑health threat and will evaluate whether this was a one‑off introduction, possibly via shipping, or the start of a population after spring monitoring.