Massive Dragonfly Swarm Stuns Visitors at Rhode Island Beach
- BY Dhiren
- July 29, 2024
- Read in 2 Minutes
A quiet Saturday afternoon at Misquamicut State Beach in Rhode Island, USA, became hectic when a swarm of dragonflies came unexpectedly, sending everyone running for safety beneath their tents and towels.
Videos from the beach show swimmers resting before the dragonflies come and flood the jammed area. Screams and yells fill the air as insects fly by. People seek safety from the swarm.
Dragonflies invade Rhoad Island pic.twitter.com/HMPwRFonzi
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) July 29, 2024
Michael Grover, who videotaped the incident, described it as a “Dragonfly Apocalypse.” According to experts, dragonfly swarm migrate south from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico and the Gulf Coast between July and October.
They frequently stop to feed on their voyage, which may last several weeks, according to foxweather.com.
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According to a local news station, several witnesses called the incident an “invasion” and compared it to a Biblical plague. Some people smiled at the sight, while others shouted or tried to shoo the bugs away with shovels and water pails.
A tourist called Mark Stickney was amazed by the number of dragonflies, estimating tens of thousands. Another visitor, Helene Dombrowski, and her family described the swarm as a “black blob” rushing towards them over the ocean.
Dragonfly swarm migrations are prevalent throughout North America in late summer and early fall. Dragonflies produce swarms when they assemble to breed or feed on smaller insects disturbed by weather or human activities.
Despite their huge numbers, dragonflies are not harmful to people and mostly consume mosquitoes and flies.
I’m guessing there isn’t a single mosquito left in Rhode Island,” one person commented.
Another person commented, “Breakout populations are never a good indication. Dragonfly eggs are eaten by frogs and some types of fish; check for a decrease in one or both populations.”
Another said, “Fun fact. Dragonflies have the highest rate of success of any attacker, clocking in at 98%.
