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Flying ants were recorded by weather radars as rain spots during a heatwave in Europe. The natural phenomenon is linked to the nuptial flight of the black garden ant.
A curious phenomenon caught attention in the United Kingdom in recent days.
Large swarms of flying ants were captured by weather radars as if they were small areas of rain.
The incident occurred during a strong heatwave in Europe, which brought forward the reproductive period of the black garden ant.
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According to the Met Office, the official meteorological body of the United Kingdom, this type of interference can occur at certain times of the year.
The unusual concentration of insects, however, made the radar images even more striking.
Ants appeared as rain on the radar
The confusion happens because the winged ants, especially the males, have proportions similar to raindrops.
Moreover, they reflect the radar beams in a similar way.
For this reason, when thousands of insects fly together, the sensors can register spots similar to drizzle patches.
According to reports published by The Telegraph, the swarms appeared as small, short-lived rain spots on meteorological images.
In some cases, these concentrations can spread over bands up to 80 kilometers wide.
The weather forecast, however, was not affected.
Meteorologists also use rain gauges and ground humidity sensors.
Thus, comparing the data allows for quick confirmation when there is no actual rain.
Heat brought forward the ants’ nuptial flight
Normally, this phenomenon occurs between July and August in the United Kingdom.
This year, however, the heat, humidity, and lack of wind advanced the ants’ reproductive cycle.
This process is known as nuptial flight.
During this period, sexually mature queens leave the nests to form new colonies.
At the same time, winged males also emerge in large numbers.
This movement is part of the mating ritual in mid-air.
According to the Natural History Museum in London, ants wait for favorable conditions to start this movement.
Therefore, many colonies seem to emerge almost simultaneously.
How swarms form
The sudden appearance of ants does not happen by chance.
In fact, the insects accumulate over weeks.
Then, when the weather becomes warm, humid, and calm, they leave the nests almost simultaneously.
This behavior creates the impression of a sudden invasion.
The large number of insects also makes the phenomenon more visible on streets, gardens, and radar images.
In Brazil, a similar process can be observed with the içás, which also leave the nests during the reproductive period.
Natural phenomenon causes discomfort to residents
Despite being part of the natural cycle of ants, the episode bothered residents in the United Kingdom.
With the intense heat, many people had to keep windows closed to prevent the entry of insects.
Authorities emphasized that the event does not represent a real change in the weather.
It is merely the presence of flying ants in large quantities being captured by meteorological equipment.
What does this episode show about radars?
The case shows how meteorological radars can detect very small elements in the atmosphere.
It also reveals the importance of cross-referencing different types of data before confirming a forecast.
Therefore, although the swarms appeared as rain in the images, ground sensors helped to quickly clarify the situation.
In the end, the episode united science, weather, and animal behavior in a rare scene for many British residents.
Have you ever imagined checking the weather forecast and discovering that the “rain” was actually a huge swarm of flying ants? Share your opinion!
