Unusual dragonfly swarms sweep across California after warm spring rains

California residents are reporting swarms of dragonflies buzzing around parks, ponds, and farms, according to experts. This unusual phenomenon, experts say, may be the result of unusually warm spring rains. Peter Veilleux, a nursery owner in Oakland, noticed about 100 dragonflies flying together while walking his dog near Lake Merritt.

Kathy Biggs, a dragonfly expert and author, explained that most of these dragonflies are likely wandering gliders, a highly migratory species that can appear in large numbers when conditions align. Dragonflies, known for their speed and agility, use changes in air pressure to fly long distances. They typically spend most of their lives underwater as nymphs, feeding on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic organisms before emerging and beginning their short flying stages.

Dragonflies have been revered by various cultures for their symbolism of purity, happiness, power, agility, and victory. To attract dragonflies to your garden, experts recommend avoiding pesticides, creating fishless ponds, and providing sunny areas with perches.