Unusual dragonfly swarms sweep across California after warm spring rains
Summary
Large swarms of dragonflies have appeared across California following warm spring rains and monsoon storms. These dragonflies, especially a type called wandering gliders, benefit from the weather conditions and help control pests by eating other insects.Key Facts
- Californians have seen many dragonflies in parks, farms, and around ponds this summer.
- The unusually warm spring rains and monsoon storms likely caused the increase in dragonfly numbers.
- Wandering gliders are a migratory species of dragonfly that travel long distances using air pressure changes.
- Dragonflies can fly very fast, up to 35 miles per hour.
- Farmer Joe Del Bosque in Fresno County noticed more dragonflies than usual, which help control crop pests like aphids and fruit flies.
- Dragonflies spend most of their life underwater as nymphs before becoming flying insects.
- Their life cycle starts when female dragonflies lay eggs in freshwater, and the young live underwater from six months to five years depending on the species.
- Dragonflies eat many insects, including mosquitoes and pests harmful to plants, making them beneficial for the environment.
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