Massive Swarm of Dragonflies Invades Rhode Island Beach

Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island was in the path of a massive dragonfly migration.

The weather in New England this summer has been perfect beach weather. If you've been to the beach you know it's a chore with a lovely day at the beach reward. You've got to pack everything you will need for several hours of relaxing, playing, and eating.

That's why Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island was packed this past weekend. That is until a swarm of dragonflies invaded. Videos show people screaming and some running for their lives! (yes, I'm being dramatic).

WMTW reports that the National Science Foundation, the Common Green Darner dragonfly, which is the one most commonly found in Rhode Island, usually has little mini dragonflies during July and August.

The report quoted the NSF from a 2006 article,

The breeding behavior of males includes their selecting a territory that is attractive to females, which they must defend from other would-be mates. Males are often observed holding races over ponds and duel in spectacular aerial battles for the rights to mate with the female darners in that territory.

Run for your lives! Or don't...

I love the reactions of people. Some just carried on like nothing was even happening, and some were screaming and swatting like they were going to die.

I hope that most of the dragonflies made it across the beach okay because these are some of the best insects we've got!

They love eating other insects including Maine's state bird, the mosquito.

That's an incredible invasion. Would you have stayed and enjoyed the phenomenon or fled?