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Unusual dragonfly swarms sweep across California after warm spring rains
Experts say warm spring and monsoon rains likely fueled the surge, and some observers reported swarms of about 100 dragonflies.
- On Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, residents across California reported swarms of dragonflies in parks and on farms, a phenomenon experts say was fueled by unusually warm spring rains.
- Warm monsoon storms in late spring and early summer likely fueled the surge, according to dragonfly expert Kathy Biggs, who noted migratory 'wandering gliders' appear when conditions align.
- Oakland nursery owner Peter Veilleux spotted about 100 dragonflies, while Fresno County farmer Joe Del Bosque observed swarms flying 10 to 20 feet above crops. California Academy of Science senior collection manager Chris Grinter said dragonflies have more than 90% hunt success rates.
- Dragonflies serve as effective natural pest control, feeding on mosquitoes, aphids, and fruit flies. Once they emerge from freshwater as four-winged adults, their lives are brief, lasting only a few weeks or months.
- About 70 dragonfly species inhabit California, including those in the Mojave Desert. Migratory species 'keep moving on, surfing high-pressure systems in the air,' Biggs said, remaining in one location for only a few days.
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Associated Press News+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Unusual dragonfly swarms sweep across California after warm spring rains
Californians are spotting swarms of dragonflies in parks and farms, likely due to warm spring rains.
·New York, United States
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Californians see swarms of dragonflies fluttering through parks, chasing mosquitoes in ponds and hunting flies on farms, a phenomenon that, according to experts, was probably driven by unusually warm spring rains.
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left10Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 35%
15%
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