Mosquitoes Discovered in One of Earth’s Last Pest-Free Nations

Iceland has long been free of mosquitoes. Cold weather and unstable winters made it hard for them to live there. But this has now changed. Scientists found three mosquitoes of the species Culiseta annulata, which shows a surprising change.

Björn Hjaltason is an insect fan. He saw a strange fly on October 16 while trying to attract moths. He thought it might be a mosquito and collected it. Later, two more mosquitoes were found. Scientists confirmed they were the first mosquitoes seen in the wild in Iceland.

Mosquitoes did come to Iceland before, but they did not survive. This time is different because these mosquitoes were found outside.

Iceland’s cold weather used to stop mosquitoes, but some can survive in colder places. Culiseta annulata can live in buildings during winter. Warmer temperatures are now helping mosquitoes spread to places like Iceland.

In the past, only Antarctica was free of mosquitoes. Now, that is changing too.

How much do you know?

What species of mosquito was found in Iceland?

Aedes aegypti

Culiseta annulata

Anopheles gambiae

Culex pipiens

Who saw the strange fly that was thought to be a mosquito?

Björn Hjaltason

Dr. John Smith

Anna Gustafsson

Karl Magnussen

When did Björn Hjaltason collect the strange fly?

October 16

October 20

November 1

September 30

What condition used to prevent mosquitoes from surviving in Iceland?

High humidity

Strong winds

Cold weather

Heavy rain

Which region was previously considered free of mosquitoes besides Iceland?

Greenland

Alaska

The Arctic

Antarctica

What aspect of climate is helping mosquitoes spread to Iceland?

Heavy snowfall

Warmer temperatures

Increased rainfall

Wind patterns

Iceland has always been free of mosquitoes.

True False

Culiseta annulata can survive in buildings during winter.

True False

Scientists first confirmed the presence of mosquitoes in Iceland on October 16.

True False

Björn Hjaltason is a scientist who specializes in botany.

True False

Warmer temperatures are making it easier for mosquitoes to spread.

True False

Mosquitoes were found in Iceland only indoors before now.

True False

Iceland has long been free of mosquitoes, but this has now changed as three mosquitoes of the species were found.

The first mosquitoes seen in the wild in Iceland were confirmed after a collection on 16.

In the past, only was free of mosquitoes.

Culiseta annulata can live in buildings during winter, which allows them to survive in weather.

Scientists found three mosquitoes, which indicates a surprising in mosquito presence in Iceland.

Björn Hjaltason thought he might have found a mosquito while trying to attract .

This question is required