Dragon Fly Swarm Disturbs Beachgoers In Rhode Island

Let’s talk about a fascinating and somewhat eerie event that recently unfolded at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island. Beachgoers enjoying a sunny day were suddenly forced to take cover when a massive swarm of dragonflies descended upon them, transforming a relaxing afternoon into a scene reminiscent of a biblical plague.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon, and videos show a cloud of dragonflies buzzing across the beach, flying over towels, through umbrellas, and past the startled visitors.

The unexpected swarm sent children screaming and swatting at the bugs with shovels and sand toys. Some sunbathers quickly packed up their belongings and left, while others sought refuge in their cars.

Helene Dombrowski, who captured footage of the swarm, estimated that there were “hundreds” of dragonflies when she arrived at the beach around 9:30 AM. By noon, she claimed there were “millions” of insects flying rapidly across the area. In her video, Dombrowski can be heard exclaiming, “Holy c**p. Look at this, oh my God,” as she filmed the “beautiful” but overwhelming scene.

Reactions among the beachgoers were mixed. While some were frightened and screaming, others appeared to embrace the chaos, trying to catch the dragonflies or simply watching in awe. Richard Sontag described the event as an “invasion,” while Stephanie Martin referred to it as a “dragonfly apocalypse.” Another witness, Mark Stickney, found the sight “amazing” and was thrilled by the rare spectacle of nature.

Dombrowski noted that the massive swarm lasted only about five minutes, but it was an unforgettable experience for those present. She remarked, “I thought it was beautiful. I was very lucky to experience it. I’ve never seen anything like that. Maybe a few dozen at a time of dragonflies, but never in that amount.”

Dragonfly swarms like this one are not entirely uncommon, especially during the summer months when the insects are breeding or following smaller insects that have been disturbed by human activity or weather conditions. These swarms can include billions of dragonflies and have been known to be large enough to be detected by radar systems.

Despite the initial fear and chaos, experts assure that dragonflies pose no threat to humans. They primarily feed on mosquitoes and various flies, and while they can prey on small creatures like hummingbirds, they are harmless to people.

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