Rhode Island Beach Day Interrupted by 'Apocalyptic' Cloud of Dragonflies

The sudden arrival of a massive swarm of dragonflies caused chaos on a Rhode Island beach.

According to Storyful, thousands of dragonflies descended on Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, R.I., on July 27. Footage of the event, taken by beachgoer Jennifer Serenson, shows a widespread swarm of dragonflies flying over the beach, skimming over towels, umbrellas, and people.

In the video, the vast dragonfly swarm hovers and zooms above the sand, causing some beachgoers to scream and seek cover.

Someone off-camera calls the scene “apocalyptic.”

“Dude, look at them all!’ another voice exclaims as the dragonflies continue to fly by in the hundreds.

WBZ-TV reported that the dragonflies started arriving at Misquamicut State Beach around 11 a.m. local time, with the most impressive swarm appearing at 1 p.m.

The outlet spoke to Ginger Brown, a Rhode Island-based dragonfly expert, who said that dragonflies tend to migrate between mid-August and mid-September. She added that dragonflies sometimes travel in large groups outside their migration period to relocate after their home bog dries up.

“It is entirely possible that’s what we’re seeing now,” Brown told WBZ-TV. “They can travel long distances with relative ease.”

Brown advised that anyone who finds themselves in a dragonfly swarm should “enjoy the phenomenon.”

According to WCVB, the Common Green Darner dragonfly, which can be found in Rhode Island, reproduces during July and August.

July also saw a different creepy crawly invasion. Periods of heavy rain in Houston drew out a rash of invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms. The flatworms are harmful to humans and pets and are, unfortunately, difficult to eradicate because they multiply when cut in half.

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The Texas Invasive Species Institute encouraged Houston residents to get rid of the flatworms, which prey on earthworms and slugs, with orange essence and salt, sprayed vinegar, or a combination of vinegar and citrus oil.

“Placing them in a Ziploc bag with salt or vinegar ensures the flatworm does not crawl away after treatment; then dispose of the sealed bag,” the institute added, noting all flatworm handling should be done with gloved hands. “Continuous removal of these invasive flatworms is necessary for the protection of naturalized earthworm populations.”