Scientists at e 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 tae the Shetland Isles—fit merks e northernmaist mosquito record in e UK.

E project aims tae unkiver insichts aboot local mosquito species an thair habitats. Researchers explained aat fyle mosquitos are pairt o Scotland’s naitural feed chain, ainly a puckle o species—Aedes cantans, Aedes punctor, an Aedes rusticus—gie nuisance bites, an e day, neen transmit infectious diseases. Notably, reports fae dense pine forests in e east an urban centers like Glesga shawed mair o the aggressive species.

Collectin ower 4,000 mosquito specimens fae urban pairks tae coastal reserves, e team is biggin a lang-term record o foo iss insects respond tae climate chynge. Thair finnins hae aaready shaped straucht-forrit advice, sic as eesin insect repellent an pittin on lang sleeves durin e simmer months.

Wi warmer wither approachin, scientists encourage the public tae continue sharin sichtins. E growein dataset nae ainly maps mosquito distribution ower Scotland but informs future public safety an environmental strategies.