50 Mile Bug Swarm: Texas Bug Swarm Heads To Oklahoma, Shows Up On Weather Radar
A 50 mile bug swarm in Texas is moving to Oklahoma, according to a weather radar. United Press International reports that a swarm of grasshoppers and beetles was moving swiftly north, from Quanah, Texas, to Norman, Oklahoma. Experts say that the warm weather was likely the cause for the swarm, and that it is not uncommon, though these things do not show up on radars that frequently, which is what makes this just as cool as it is gross.
Giant bug swarm shows up on NWS radar. Said to be grasshoppers, beetles. Can we just say ewwww http://t.co/cIQtXlLoV3 pic.twitter.com/lwDRL8MJz1
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) July 23, 2015
Grasshoppers and beetles are getting picked up by a weather radar in Texas http://t.co/OajiDYZXu4 pic.twitter.com/1xF9zMjDTa
— BI Science (@BI_Science) July 23, 2015
“Weather scientists in the Sooner State weren’t able to immediately determine the nature of the yellow and green swirl, but most knew from experience that a gathering of insects was likely responsible.”
The 50 mile bug swarm leaving Texas had some insects flying above 2,500 feet, which is actually quite impressive. According to Business Insider, the number of insects in the swarm is unknown. One would imagine it would be a great amount since they created their own pattern on radar, but no one can actually tell for sure.
“It’s a testament of the sensitivity of the radars we use,” explained Forrest Mitchell, Observations Program Leader at the National Weather Service of Norman, Oklahoma. The most impressive part, perhaps, is the fact that this swarm stretches 50 miles in length.
While no one would likely want to come in contact with a swarm of grasshoppers and beetles, the swarm is relatively harmless. These bugs won’t be infesting homes or causing any major damage as they move on through. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, stink bugs are more likely to cause issues. Last fall, stink bugs were invading homes and destroying plants in various areas of the United States, causing quite a few problems.
“Stink bugs are appropriately named as they are capable of emitting a pungent odor through openings in its abdomen. The odor, which is similar to the scent of decay, is a defense mechanism used to deter predators. Unfortunately, the stink bugs’ odor is also offensive to humans,” reported the Inquisitr.
It is unknown where the 50 mile bug swarm will go after leaving Texas and Oklahoma, or if it will break apart over the next few days.
[Photo by Sean Gallup / Getty Images News]
