Richard Collins: Is human-induced global warming opening the door to dangerous insects?

During the 1850s, soldiers returning from the Crimean War introduced plasmodium, the malaria-causing parasite, to Cork’s mosquito population.  Oliver Cromwell may have died of ‘Cork fever’, contracted during his visit to Ireland

Culiseta annulata mosquito — one of the largest species of mosquito, recognised by its banded legs

Irish monks, seeking solitude, visited Iceland in the late 9th century. They left the island later when Norse settlers arrived. Perhaps they didn’t want to live among pagans.

Now that country has other unwelcome visitors — a male and two female ‘banded’ mosquitoes, Culiseta annulata, were discovered in a glacial valley north of Reykjavik last month. The species can survive in moderately cool conditions.

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