Donegal News

This morning a person traveling between Ballyshannon and Donegal town spotted a stage swarm in the air which was not birds but insects at around 11:30am. These are believed to be flying ants and where spotted over the Ballintra area.

Below you will see a photo and video the captured

**Swarm spotted over Ballintra at 11:30am this morning by Jean Mc Connell**

Every summer there is a day when thousands of giant flying ants emerge from their nests all at the same time - a spectacle known as Flying Ant Day.

The phenomenon, which often happens in July, will see giant black clouds of the winged insects descend on streets and gardens across parts of Ireland and the UK.

A video send on by a follower showing what is believed to be flying ants over Ballintra, Donegal this morning.

Video by Jean Mc Connell pic.twitter.com/7AVGaRZp6K
— Donegal Weather Channel (@DonegalWeatherC) July 2, 2021

Often encouraged by hotter and drier weather, sometimes after a period of heavy rain, there is some suggestion among insect watchers online that this year's event could fall earlier in the month because of the rainfall seen at the end of June. This would match the sighting across Donegal this morning

During their flight the young queen ants will mate with the strongest males before landing and starting their own colony in a new location.

Although the phenomenon is often dubbed "flying ant day", it often builds over several days before culminating in a date declared as Flying Ant Day when people report noticing hundreds and thousands of swarms all appearing at once. So keep eye out over the weekend for further swarms.

The Natural History Museum says: "This annual swarming event usually occurs in July or August and coincides with a period of hot and humid weather. Winged ants appear at different times around the country and local weather conditions are critical for the coordination of swarming activity."

And although most of us may not relish the thought of thousands of the tiny creatures buzzing above our heads, it can be quite a sight.