US EditionMosquitoes in Scotland as far north as Shetland
- The Mosquito Scotland project, led by University of Glasgow researchers, monitors mosquito species across Scotland including the Shetland Isles since May 2024.
- In 2023, UK Research and Innovation together with Defra provided £1.25 million in funding to support a project evaluating the risks of mosquito-borne pathogens in Scotland under present and anticipated climate conditions.
- Researchers collected over 4,000 mosquitoes and received more than 700 public reports covering 21 species, finding mosquitoes active even in colder months and in diverse habitats like woodlands and urban areas.
- Professor Heather Ferguson described the public response as "tremendous," adding it filled large gaps in understanding mosquitoes' biodiversity benefits and potential risks amid environmental change.
- The project confirms mosquitoes do not currently pose a health risk in Scotland but continues to track them as climate change may increase their populations and pathogen threats, encouraging ongoing public involvement.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Rising temperatures cause mosquitoes to spread in Scotland
The NewsMosquitoes are spreading throughout Scotland as climate change brings rising temperatures. Twenty-one species of the insect have now been identified, some reaching as far north as Shetland, an island halfway between Britain and Norway. While the Scottish summer is synonymous with midges, tiny biting insects which attack vulnerable skin, mosquitoes are usually associated with warmer climes. Climate change is thought to be behind the sprea…
Evening Standard
Mosquitoes found as far north as Shetland in study examining pathogen risk
Sightings of mosquitoes were sent to the Mosquito Scotland team every month in 2024.
Citizen science project receives reports of mosquitoes from all’across Scotland
1.05.2025 - Scientists at the University of Glasgow have received more than 700 reports of mosquitoes from across Scotland, including from Dumfries and Galloway in the south to Shetland in the north, thanks to the incredible response from the public to a citizen science project launched last year.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
