Biting midge confirmed in Northeast Iceland for first time

The presence of the biting midge, a small insect measuring only 1 to 3 millimeters, has been confirmed in Northeast Iceland for the first time, although it has previously been reported in other regions of the country. The species appears to be spreading to sheltered areas across Iceland.

Researchers have been searching for breeding sites of this midge species in the region for two summers without success. The midge first emerged in the southwestern part of the country nine years ago, but other midge species have been present for longer. However, none are as troublesome as Culicoides reconditus, the species that has raised concern.

Biologist Gísli Már Gíslason has been looking for the breeding habitats since last summer, yet has found no evidence. He notes that these searches are akin to finding a needle in a haystack given the tiny size of the flies and even smaller larvae. “It is incredibly difficult; it is virtually hopeless to try to find them,” he commented.

Future searches will shift to forested areas, as these habitats are more common for the species. Gísli explained that the possibility exists that the midges may be developing behind the bark of trees, which remains unverified.

It is clear that the biting midge is establishing itself across the country, with recent sightings confirmed in Northern Iceland east of Eyjafjordur. Gísli indicated that it is merely a matter of time before the midges inhabit all suitable locations, although the Westfjords and most of Snæfellsnes are still free from them. There was a report of possible midge presence in Ísafjörður, but it seems it may have arrived via a camper van and lacks further confirmation of a population.