Europe’s Mosquito Map Shows Italy, Greece and Spain Among Countries With the Highest Recorded Species Diversity

Brussels, August 13, 2026 — A new European mosquito distribution map is drawing attention to the striking differences in mosquito diversity across the continent. Data compiled from European surveillance sources show that the number of mosquito species recorded varies substantially from country to country, with southern European nations generally showing some of the highest totals.

The map, based on data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and updated through April 2026, illustrates the number of mosquito species recorded in individual European countries. Italy appears at the top of the ranking with 78 recorded species, followed by Greece with 67, Spain with 62, France with 57, Germany with 54 and Türkiye with 53.

The figures represent recorded species, not the number of mosquitoes present or the level of disease risk in a particular country. ECDC maintains detailed maps tracking both native and invasive mosquito species across Europe.

Italy Leads the European Ranking

Italy stands out on the map with the highest recorded number, at 78 species.

The country’s wide range of climates and landscapes helps explain why mosquito diversity can be particularly high. Italy stretches from the Alps in the north to Mediterranean islands and warmer southern regions, creating numerous ecological environments.

Italy has also become an important focus of European mosquito surveillance because invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, are well established there.

According to ECDC, Aedes albopictus has become established across large parts of Italy and is particularly abundant in several northern and central regions as well as coastal areas.

The species is important from a public-health perspective because it can transmit viruses including dengue and chikungunya under suitable conditions.

Greece Also Has High Mosquito Diversity

Greece ranks second on the map, with 67 recorded mosquito species.

Its Mediterranean climate, extensive coastline, islands, wetlands and varied terrain provide a wide range of habitats suitable for different mosquito species.

Recent ECDC surveillance data also show that several mosquito species have expanded their recorded distribution within Greece. For example, the Culex pipiens group had 14 new administrative-unit/species presences identified in Greece compared with the previous update.

Other mosquito species have shown similar patterns. ECDC recorded numerous new administrative units in Greece for Culex modestus, Culex antennatus and Culex perexiguus/univittatus in its April 2026 surveillance updates.

This does not mean that every newly recorded mosquito represents an emerging disease threat. Surveillance can also identify species that were previously present but had not been documented in particular areas.

Spain Records 62 Species

Spain is shown with 62 recorded mosquito species, placing it among Europe’s countries with the greatest documented diversity.

Spain’s geography provides an especially broad range of habitats, from Mediterranean coastal environments to wetlands, mountains and inland agricultural areas.

The country is also one of the European locations where invasive mosquito surveillance has become increasingly important.

ECDC tracks the distribution of invasive Aedes species because some can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

The presence of a mosquito species does not automatically mean that disease transmission is occurring. Transmission depends on several factors, including whether mosquitoes are carrying a pathogen, whether suitable hosts are present and whether environmental conditions allow transmission.

France and Germany Show Significant Diversity

France appears on the map with 57 recorded species, while Germany has 54.

The numbers demonstrate that substantial mosquito diversity is not limited to the Mediterranean.

Germany has also experienced changes in the distribution of invasive mosquito species. ECDC’s April 2026 data show new established administrative areas for Aedes japonicus, with two newly recorded established areas in Germany.

France has likewise recorded changes in invasive mosquito distributions. The ECDC update identified new administrative areas for Aedes japonicus and other invasive species.

These developments have increased the importance of mosquito monitoring in areas where some species were historically uncommon.

Türkiye Records 53 Species

Türkiye is shown with 53 mosquito species, placing it among the countries with the largest recorded totals on the map.

Its geographic position between Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean gives it an unusually diverse range of environmental conditions.

Türkiye also features prominently in ECDC’s mosquito surveillance. For example, the agency reported 16 new administrative-unit/species presences for the Culex pipiens group in Türkiye compared with its previous update.

The country’s warm southern regions and extensive wetlands can provide favourable conditions for numerous mosquito species.

Northern Europe Has Fewer Recorded Species

The map shows a noticeable contrast between southern and northern Europe.

Countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland generally have fewer recorded mosquito species than Mediterranean countries.

Climate is one important factor influencing mosquito distributions. Temperature, rainfall, availability of breeding sites and seasonal conditions all affect whether particular mosquito species can survive and reproduce.

However, fewer recorded species does not mean northern countries are completely protected from mosquito-related health risks.

ECDC continues to monitor mosquito populations across northern Europe, including species capable of surviving in cooler climates. Its native mosquito maps include species such as Anopheles plumbeus and several Culex species across different European regions.

Why Climate Matters

Climate is becoming an increasingly important consideration in European mosquito surveillance.

Warmer temperatures can allow certain mosquito species to survive for longer periods or expand into areas where winters previously limited their establishment.

ECDC’s assessment of Aedes albopictus notes that climate conditions influence the species’ ability to establish itself, while future climate changes could increase suitability in parts of northern and western Europe.

But climate is only one part of the picture.

International trade and travel can transport mosquitoes or their eggs over long distances. Urbanization can also create artificial water-holding containers that provide breeding sites.

For invasive Aedes species, ECDC identifies international travel and trade as important pathways for geographic spread.

Not Every Mosquito Is a Disease Vector

The map’s numbers should be interpreted carefully.

A country with 78 recorded mosquito species does not necessarily face a greater disease burden than a country with 30 species.

Mosquitoes belong to many different species, and only some are capable of transmitting particular pathogens. Even among species capable of carrying a virus, actual transmission depends on environmental and epidemiological conditions.

For example, ECDC identifies Aedes aegypti as a vector of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses.

Aedes albopictus is also considered an important invasive mosquito because of its ability to transmit several arboviruses and its continuing expansion across Europe.

Other mosquito species have different ecological roles and may pose little or no direct threat to humans.

West Nile Virus Adds Another Layer of Concern

Mosquito surveillance is particularly important because of diseases such as West Nile virus.

The virus is primarily maintained in cycles involving mosquitoes and birds, with humans and horses becoming incidental hosts.

ECDC’s 2026 seasonal surveillance has identified areas affected by West Nile virus, including multiple areas in Italy and Greece. The agency continues to update its surveillance information during the mosquito season.

This illustrates why simply counting mosquito species is not enough. Public-health authorities also need to know which species are present, where they are found and whether they are involved in disease transmission.

ECDC Expands Mosquito Surveillance

The latest ECDC maps show that European mosquito surveillance is becoming increasingly detailed.

The agency and the European Food Safety Authority maintain distribution maps for native and invasive mosquito species at regional administrative levels. The April 2026 update includes multiple species and records changes in their known geographical distribution.

For Aedes invasive mosquitoes, ECDC reported 41 new administrative units where one or more of five invasive species were known to be established compared with the previous update.

That does not mean Europe suddenly acquired dozens of completely new mosquito populations. Some changes reflect improved surveillance and newly documented presence, while others represent genuine geographic expansion.

What the Map Means for Public Health

The growing availability of detailed mosquito maps gives health authorities a valuable tool for planning surveillance and prevention.

Knowing where mosquito species are established can help authorities determine where monitoring should be increased and where mosquito-borne disease risks may require closer attention.

For residents, however, the map should not be interpreted as a warning that all areas with high mosquito diversity are dangerous.

Basic mosquito-control measures remain important, particularly during warm seasons. Removing standing water around homes, using window screens and following local public-health guidance can help reduce exposure.

Travellers should also pay attention to health advice when visiting areas experiencing mosquito-borne disease transmission.

A Changing European Mosquito Landscape

The 2026 map provides a snapshot of Europe’s mosquito diversity, but the picture is not static.

Species distributions can change as environmental conditions, travel patterns, trade, land use and climate evolve.

The continuing expansion of invasive mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus has made surveillance increasingly important, particularly in southern and central Europe. ECDC’s latest data show that the geographical footprint of several mosquito species continues to be documented in new administrative areas.

The ranking also demonstrates the enormous ecological diversity of Europe.

From Mediterranean islands and coastal wetlands to northern forests and cooler continental regions, different environments support different mosquito communities.

The most important message from the map is therefore not simply that Italy has more mosquito species than another country. Instead, it shows why continuous monitoring of mosquito populations is becoming an increasingly important part of European public-health preparedness.

As Europe experiences changing environmental conditions and the movement of invasive species, detailed surveillance can help authorities identify emerging patterns early and respond before mosquito-borne diseases become more difficult to control.