While Iceland is often perceived as a land largely devoid of insects, it is not entirely bug-free. Over 1,000 insect species have been recorded in Iceland, forming a unique ecosystem shaped by its distinctive environmental conditions. This diverse population includes various arthropods, from pollinators to decomposers. Understanding the types of insects present and the factors influencing their survival provides insight into Iceland’s unique natural world.
Common Insects in Iceland
Visitors to Iceland are likely to encounter several types of insects and arthropods. Among the most common are midges, particularly around freshwater bodies like Lake Mývatn. There are two primary types: non-biting lake midges (Chironomidae) and biting black flies (Simuliidae), known for their itchy bites. These biting midges, often mistaken for mosquitoes, can be a nuisance, especially during summer months near water.
Iceland is also home to various flies, including common houseflies, blow-flies, crane-flies, hover-flies, and golden dung flies. The golden dung fly, for instance, plays a role in decomposing livestock waste. Spiders are present with about 91 species identified. Common species include the common house spider and various orb-weavers, with some unique adaptations like a “pool spider” that thrives near hot springs.
Beetles are a prevalent group, with row beetles and ground beetles common among the approximately 240 species found in Iceland. While most insects thrive outdoors, some, like certain cockroach species and ants, primarily exist indoors. Yellow jackets, a type of wasp, have also established themselves in Iceland since the 1970s and can become aggressive around late summer.
Notable Absent Species
Iceland is known for its absence of mosquitoes, despite their prevalence in neighboring regions. This lack is primarily attributed to Iceland’s erratic weather patterns and unique climate, which prevent mosquitoes from completing their life cycle. Mosquito pupae typically hibernate under ice and hatch when temperatures rise. However, Iceland’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles cause pupae to hatch prematurely, only to die when temperatures drop again. Additionally, the country’s cold water temperatures and lack of stable, warm standing water bodies further hinder mosquito breeding.
Other common pests are rare or non-existent in Iceland. Ticks, for example, are uncommon and mostly associated with seabird populations, though several species have been identified, some potentially carried by migratory birds. While ticks can carry Borrelia bacteria, no Lyme disease cases have been reported within Iceland.
Cockroaches are rare in Iceland and generally arrive via imported goods, struggling to establish permanent outdoor populations due to the cool climate. They can sometimes be found indoors, but their numbers are lower than in many other parts of the world. Iceland also has no native ant species, though several introduced species have established populations, mainly thriving indoors or in some geothermal areas.
Environmental Influences on Insect Life
Iceland’s unique insect population results from several environmental factors. The island’s cold climate and short, cool summers limit the diversity and abundance of insect species. Rapid temperature fluctuations, particularly frequent freeze-thaw cycles, are disruptive to insects that require stable conditions for development, such as mosquitoes.
Geographic isolation has played a role, limiting the natural colonization of the island by many insect species. While some, like certain beetles, may have been introduced by human activity, most have not established themselves. The island’s geological characteristics, including volcanic soil and water bodies, further influence insect habitats. For instance, warm geothermal areas often lack the stagnant water necessary for mosquito breeding.
The lack of extensive native forests has impacted habitats for many insect species relying on tree cover. Strong winds also deter many flying insects. These combined environmental pressures create a challenging environment, allowing only the most resilient and adaptable insect species to thrive.