Scientists at the University o Glesga hae logged ower 700 mosquito sichtins aa ower Scotland throu a citizen science project stertit in May 2024. Memmers o the public submitted photaes an bite reports via the Mosquito Scotland wabsite, capturin images fae Dumfries an Gallowa up tae the Shetland Isles—the northernmaist mosquito record in the UK.

The project aims tae unkiver insichts aboot local mosquito species an thair habitats. Researchers explained that while mosquitos are pairt o Scotland’s naitural fuid chain, ainly a wheen o species—Aedes cantans, Aedes punctor, an Aedes rusticus—gie nuisance bites, an currently, nane transmit infectious diseases. Notably, reports fae dense pine widlands in the east an urban centres like Glesga shawed mair o the aggressive species.

Collectin ower 4,000 mosquito specimens fae urban pairks tae coastal reserves, the team is biggin a lang-term record o hoo thae insects respond tae climate chynge. Thair finnins hae awready shaped straucht-forrit advice, sic as yaisin insect repellent an wearin lang sleeves durin the simmer months.

Wi warmer wather approachin, scientists encourage the public tae continue sharin sichtins. The growein dataset no anely maps mosquito distribution ower Scotland but informs future public safety an environmental strategies.