In many countries of the world, among them Spain, summer is not only synonymous with heat and vacations, but also brings with it an invasion of mosquitoes. Either because of its persistent buzz or by the awkward bites, they are one of the main discomfort we face during the summer season. However, there is a country where there is not a single mosquito: Iceland, a place where mosquitoes do not exist.
This phenomenon may seem incredible, since mosquitoes are insects that inhabit almost every corner of the planet, and its presence is directly related to wet areas. However, Iceland, despite its conditions geographical and climatic similar to other countries in northern Europe, has managed to stay completely free of mosquitoes, although Effects of climate change They could alter this balance. In recent years, Iceland has experienced an increase in average temperatures, which have risen around 1.1 ºC in the last two decades.
The only country where there is no mosquito
The main factor that has avoided the presence of mosquitoes in Iceland It is its extremely variable and cold climate. Unlike other regions of northern Europe, Iceland presents an unstable oceanic climate.
In winter, temperatures usually around 1-2ºC on average, while in summer they ascend about 12ºC, which creates an unavailable environment for these insects. Although the Low winter temperatures They are a clear barrier for the reproduction of mosquitoes, which really prevents their proliferation is the freezing and defrosting cycles to which the island is exposed.
The Mosquito reproduction It depends largely on temperature and humidity conditions. The females need to feed on blood to be able to put their eggs, and these must be deposited in stagnant water, especially in shaded and vegetation areas. However, the Icelandic climate does not offer the necessary conditions for this process. Constant frosts and defrost cycles make water on the island too cold and changing so that mosquitoes can complete their reproductive cycle.
Although temperature and humidity are the key factors in the reproduction of mosquitoes, there are also other aspects that influence their presence. The wind, for example, can play an important role, since mosquitoes are slow flight insects and cannot resist strong or continuous winds. Iceland, being an island located in the Atlantic Ocean, experiences strong and constant winds, which further hinders the survival of these insects.
In addition, the type of soil and the chemical composition of water in Iceland could also be factors that hinder the life of mosquitoes. While these aspects still require more research, some Biologists and environmentalists They believe that the characteristics of the Icelandic ecosystem are not ideal for these insects. For example, water in Iceland tends to be colder and less suitable for the reproduction of mosquitoes than in other regions of the world, which reinforces the idea that the island’s environment is not conducive to its development.
Climate change
Although Iceland has remained free of mosquitoes so far, climate change could alter this situation in the future. In the last two decades, the average temperatures on the island have increased approximately 1.1 ° C, which has caused Changes in its local ecosystem. This increase in temperatures has favored the arrival of new species of insects, which could not previously survive in the Icelandic environment.
He global warming It could eventually create a more conducive environment for mosquitoes. If temperatures continue to rise, Iceland could experience warmer summers that would facilitate the survival and reproduction of these insects, especially in stagnant water areas that did not previously exist on the island. Although so far this has not happened, climate change remains a potential threat that could allow mosquitoes to arrive in the future, altering the natural balance of the country.
If this happened, the impact would be considerable, both for local fauna and for the human health. Mosquitoes bring serious diseases, and their presence in Iceland would represent a health risk that has never had to face in the country. In ecological terms, the arrival of mosquitoes could have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, mosquitoes could become a new food source for local species, such as fish and birds that inhabit the island.
Iceland is still a fascinating place, both for its landscape and for being the Unique country without a single mosquito. The climatic, geographical and ecological factors have prevented these insects from reaching the island, but climate change could alter this balance, which raises a potential threat to Icelandic biodiversity and the quality of life of its inhabitants.
