A beach day in Rhode Island turned into a scene straight out of a movie when a massive swarm of dragonflies descended on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly. Videos posted on social media showed beachgoers covering up with towels as thousands of dragonflies flew overhead. Some even speculated whether the world was ending. Mark Stickney, who captured the phenomenon on video, described the swarm as numbering in the hundreds of thousands and compared the dragonflies to X-wing fighters from “Star Wars.”
Dragonfly expert Ginger Brown explained that the swarm occurred outside of the typical migration period for dragonflies, which is between mid-August and mid-September. She suggested that the dragonflies may have relocated due to changes in their habitats. Brown highlighted the importance of dragonflies in the ecosystem, as they eat mosquitoes and other pests, serving as food for birds and carnivorous plants.
Despite the surreal experience of being caught in a dragonfly swarm, Brown reassured people that there was no reason to be afraid, as dragonflies have excellent vision and are not likely to fly into anyone’s face. The event was an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and the intricate web of life that dragonflies are a part of. The phenomenon captured the attention of beachgoers and social media users alike, creating a buzz around this unexpected encounter with nature.
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