What You Need to Know
• Californians are observing swarms of dragonflies, likely due to warm spring rains, particularly in July.
• Peter Veilleux, a nursery owner in Oakland, reported seeing about 100 dragonflies together near Lake Merritt.
• Dragonflies, particularly wandering gliders, are beneficial for pest control, preying on insects like aphids and whiteflies.
Peter Veilleux, a nursery owner in Oakland, reported that Californians are witnessing swarms of dragonflies flitting around parks and farms, a phenomenon attributed to unusually warm spring rains. He observed around 100 dragonflies flying together while walking his dog near Lake Merritt in July. Kathy Biggs, a dragonfly expert and co-author of “Dragonflies of California,” noted that the current high numbers are likely due to warm monsoon storms that affected the state in late spring and early summer. Joe Del Bosque, a farmer in Fresno County, also reported seeing swarms of dragonflies, which are beneficial as they consume pests like aphids and whiteflies that threaten crops. Dragonflies spend most of their lives underwater as nymphs before emerging as flying insects.
Why It Matters
The increase in dragonfly populations in California is significant for both ecological balance and agriculture. Dragonflies are known for their role in pest control, helping to manage populations of harmful insects that affect crops. The warm weather patterns, particularly the monsoon rains, have created favorable conditions for these migratory insects. Understanding the dynamics of dragonfly populations can provide insights into broader environmental changes and their impacts on local ecosystems and agriculture.
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