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Hundreds of large dragonflies descend on Rhode Island beach, people flee ‘apocalypse’: Watch

Scary footage captured the moment a swarm of supersized dragonflies engulfed a Rhode Island beach.

Published on: Jul 29, 2024, 13:11:27 IST
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Scary footage captured the moment a swarm of supersized dragonflies engulfed a Rhode Island beach over the weekend. The endless swarm of large insects was seen descending on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly on Saturday, July 27.

Hundreds of large dragonflies descend on Rhode Island beach (@CollinRugg/X)
Hundreds of large dragonflies descend on Rhode Island beach (@CollinRugg/X)

A cloud of dragonflies buzzed across the beach, with shocked onlookers looking on as the insects flew past their faces, under umbrellas and all around them. “I was enjoying a nice day at Misquamicut State Beach until we endured a dragonfly apocalypse,” witness Stephanie Martin told WCVB.

Some beachgoers fled for their cars, and many ducked for cover. Some stood and laughed at the scene, while children screamed. Richard Sontag, another witness, called the scene an “invasion.”

WBUR reported that dragonfly swarms often form when the insects are breeding in summer months. It can also happen when weather disturbances or human activity kick into the air the smaller insects that the dragonflies feed on. Dragonflies do not pose any threat to humans.

‘Something out of a horror movie’

Many X users, shocked and amazed at the scene, commented on the above video. “Something out of a horror movie. I love it,” one user wrote. “We have a lot of them here at the lake but nothing like that. They eat bugs so always have considered them my friends. Lol,” another said. “It's the apocalypse,” one user wrote, while another said, “Wow! Dragonflies can look like little mini helicopters! I would not like to be caught in that swarm! What is God planning? I feel a big event coming…”

“Well that’s one way to completely destroy a beach trip. I’d never go back,” wrote one user, while another said, “It’s creepy is what it is.” “I love Dragonflies. Just like they eat smaller insects - so do birds eat Dragonflies. Nature will take care of it,” one user said, while another wrote, “Oh my gosh, I would have freaked out a little”.

  • Sumanti Sen
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sumanti Sen

    Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More