This children’s article, Mosquitoes discovered in Iceland for the first time ever, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about changing climates, and discover fascinating facts about mosquitoes. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Iceland loses its mosquito-free title
For as long as anyone could remember, Iceland was one of the few places on Earth where you could live completely mosquito-free. But that has just changed! Scientists have confirmed that mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time in recorded history.
The tiny newcomers, two females and one male, were spotted in Kjós, a glacial valley about 20 miles from the capital city of Reykjavík. The species, known as Culiseta annulata, is common in parts of Europe and North Africa; however, this is the first time it has been observed in Iceland. Until now, only two places on the planet have had no mosquitoes at all: Iceland and Antarctica. Now it’s only Antarctica.
How did they get there?
Experts think Iceland’s freezing winters and lack of stagnant water have always made life impossible for mosquitoes. But this particular species is unusually tough and can survive in colder conditions. Some scientists say rising temperatures and longer summers may be helping them survive. Others think the insects could have arrived by accident, perhaps travelling inside ships or shipping containers that docked nearby.
Insect expert Matthías Alfreðsson from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History says more research will take place next spring to see whether the species has truly settled in Iceland or if this was just a brief visit. Either way, it’s big news for a country that had proudly stayed bite-free for centuries!
What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes might be tiny, but they’re some of the most successful insects on Earth, as there are more than 3,500 different species! Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do it to get the protein from blood, which helps them produce eggs. Males, on the other hand, prefer to sip nectar from flowers.
Although they have a bad reputation, mosquitoes actually play important roles in nature. They provide food for birds, bats, frogs, and even some fish. Scientists also study them closely to learn how to control diseases they can spread, such as malaria or dengue fever, and to understand how insects adapt to changing climates.
So while Iceland’s newest visitors might be unwelcome guests, they’re a reminder of just how adaptable and surprising nature can be. You can read more about mosquitoes here.
Article vocabulary list
- Mosquito – A small flying insect; females bite animals or people to drink blood.
- Species – A group of living things that share the same main characteristics.
- Glacial valley – A valley formed by the movement of a glacier or ice.
- Stagnant water – Still, unmoving water where mosquitoes often lay eggs.
- Entomologist – A scientist who studies insects.
- Adapt – To change or adjust to new conditions.
- Protein – A substance in food (or blood!) that helps living things grow.
- Nectar – A sweet liquid made by flowers that many insects eat.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Why didn’t Iceland use to have mosquitoes?
A) Because it was too hot and dry
B) Because it was too cold and lacked stagnant water
C) Because they were banned by scientists
Answer: B) Because it was too cold and lacked stagnant water
2. Where were the mosquitoes found?
A) In Reykjavík city centre
B) In the mountains of northern Iceland
C) In Kjós valley, near Reykjavík
Answer: C) In Kjós valley, near Reykjavík
3. What species were the mosquitoes identified as?
A) Culiseta annulata
B) Anopheles arcticus
C) Culex islandicus
Answer: A) Culiseta annulata
4. How might the mosquitoes have reached Iceland?
A) By flying across the ocean
B) By hiding in ships or containers
C) By swimming through rivers
Answer: B) By hiding in ships or containers
5. Why do female mosquitoes bite?
A) For fun
B) To scare other insects
C) To get protein for their eggs
Answer: C) To get protein for their eggs
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
