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

Da project aims tae unkiver insichts aboot local mosquito species an deir habitats. Researchers explained dat while mosquitoes are pairt o Scotland’s naitural fuid chain, ainly a few species—Aedes cantans, Aedes punctor, an Aedes rusticus—gie nuisance bites, an currently, nane transmit infectious diseases. Notably, reports frae dense pine widlands in da east an urban centers like Glesga shawed mair o da aggressive species.

Collectin ower 4,000 mosquito specimens frae urban pairks tae coastal reserves, da team is biggin a lang-term record o hoo dis insects respond tae climate chynge. Dair finnins hae aaready shaped straacht-forwird advice, sic as uisin insect repellent an pittin on lang sleeves durin da simmer months.

Wi warmer wadder approachin, scientists encourage da public tae continue sharin sichtins. Da growein dataset nae anely maps mosquito distribution ower Scotland but informs future public safety an environmental strategies.