Summer in Scotland is synonymous with the modest but nasty Midge.

But scientists at the University of Glasgow have confirmed the continued rise of its distant cousin, the mosquito.

The country is now home to more than 20 insect biting, with some already found in the Shetland Islands (the northernmost point to date).

Mosquitoes are more common, associated with tropical climates, and are a natural component of Scottish ecosystems.

Thanks to a successful citizen science project, one can understand the range of the mosquito population.

University researchers have received numerous reports of harassment and biting, initially suspected of responsibility, Middles or Clegg.

Further analysis showed that the area in question was swarming with mosquitoes, actively trying to bite people.

Over 700 potential sightings and photos have been submitted to the ongoing Scottish Mosquito Project over the past 12 months.

After analysis, more than half were identified as mosquitoes, and now 21 different species are referred to as Scotland.

During the summer, when public witnesses were at their peak, reports were submitted to the team every month last year.

These insects are often found in woodland areas, especially in the pine forests in the east, although they are often found inland our largest cities. In Glasgow, larvae are found floating in stagnant water, such as garden pots and ponds.

Heather Ferguson, professor of medical entomology at the University of Glasgow, described the initial reaction to their three-year project as “huge”.

“We found them to be greater than before,” she said.

"In almost all parts of the country, we have received reports of different species. First, we found records in the northernmost part of the UK when we had a public report of the mosquitoes we were able to confirm."

In addition to public sightings, the team hung traps at 24 locations across the country, attracting insects by mimicking the smell of carbon dioxide that humans breathe.

Dr. Georgia Kirby, Ph.D., led the Citizen Science Project and said public reports directed the location of the traps, sometimes capturing more than 1,000 mosquitoes in just two days.

She said: “There are several areas in Scotland and we have received a lot of bite reports, but there are very few photos of the culprit – understandably, because most people don’t want to stay still when they are bitten by insects.

“We suspect that Midges or Clegs might be responsible, but in our follow-up survey we always found these sites swarming with mosquitoes – proving that people in Scotland are good at recognizing them and distinguishing them from more familiar insects.

“These sites are mostly dense woodland areas, which are key habitats for several aggressive human mosquito species.”

Mosquitoes currently pose health risks in humans in Scotland. There are no parasites needed to spread infectious diseases like malaria.

But this is another story that malaria was very common in the UK 200 years ago.

It is especially in eastern Scotland and is spread by native mosquitoes.

Today, climate change may mean we can see more mosquitoes in Scotland as our climate becomes warmer and wet – perfect conditions make them thrive.

The common-style mosquito Culex Pipiens has been found to carry and spread the USUTU virus, which was originally discovered in Africa in the 1950s and has emerged in Europe over the past three decades.

The virus spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes and affects the blackbird population.

The Scottish Mosquito Project will continue to help track its population, and scientists say it will help provide a vital early warning system for potential risks as the species responds to environmental changes.

Professor Ferguson and Dr. Kirby hope to hear more from the public in 2025 to help improve their knowledge and understand the biodiversity benefits of mosquitoes and any potential risks.

You can participate in the project and submit your own witnesses by visiting the Scottish Mosquito website.