Britain has witnessed an extraordinary natural phenomenon as millions of ladybirds—commonly known as red beetles—descended upon towns and coastal cities in what experts are calling the largest swarm since 1976.

The sudden influx, triggered by weeks of unusually hot and dry weather, overwhelmed seaside resorts like Weston-Super-Mare, where beachgoers described the scene as a “ladybird apocalypse.” Insects covered umbrellas, cars, and even food, forcing many residents to seek shelter indoors or inside vehicles.

The swarms were so intense that play was temporarily halted at Lord’s Cricket Ground during a test match between England and India, as players struggled to concentrate amid the flying beetles.

Entomologists attribute the surge to a boom in aphid populations—ladybirds’ primary food source—followed by a rapid decline due to heat stress, prompting the beetles to migrate en masse in search of sustenance. Social media has been flooded with videos showing the insects crawling over every surface, with some users warning others to avoid beaches altogether.

Despite the dramatic visuals, scientists urge calm. “It’s not a plague,” said Professor Stuart Reynolds of the University of Bath. “Ladybirds are harmless and ecologically vital predators. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem”.

The event has sparked both fascination and discomfort, with some residents comparing the experience to a horror film—while experts encourage the public to appreciate the ecological role of these vibrant insects.