# video | The invasion of grasshoppers in the United States. The picture is really creepy

Just the other day we wrote about how massivethe migration of flying ants in the UK was visible even from space. In another part of the globe, at present, a similar picture is observed. Only this time we are talking about grasshoppers. Attracted by the light of neon signs and the lights of American Las Vegas, a city that never sleeps, whole armies of chirping insects literally flooded the streets. Tourists of the city complain, on social networks real hysteria. There are so many grasshoppers that they are visible even by meteorological radar stations.

What are dangerous grasshoppers?

? Some of you have been asking about thewidespread radar returns the past few nights in #Vegas. Radar analysis suggests most of these echoes are biological targets. This typically includes birds, bats, and bugs, and most likely in our case—> Grasshoppers. ? #VegasWeather pic.twitter.com/reQX7hJR7Y

- NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) July 27, 2019

</ p>

Insect invasion (marked in green), visible by meteorological radar stations

Fortunately, this is not about the biblical locust,the hordes of which are considered the harbinger of the approaching end of the world. By the way, our scientists would be glad even to the invasion of locusts. Not so long ago, we reported why.

According to entomologists who attacked Las VegasGrasshoppers belong to the species Trimerotropis pallidipennis. Their habitat is very wide. They are found from the US state of British Columbia to Argentina. In length, individuals of this species reach 37 millimeters.

See also: Why are edible insects healthier than a glass of orange juice?

Scientists say grasshoppers are not dangerous to humans. They do not bite or carry disease. However, locals are advised to close windows and doors, and drivers - to be more vigilant on the roads. Huge swarms of insects are able to greatly restrict visibility.

The grasshoppers came out to play overnight! ? Viewers sent in their video of grasshopper swarms from around the Las Vegas Valley Thursday night. Have you seen them in your neighborhood?

WHY grasshoppers are invading the valley: https://t.co/DSSz72ZLwH pic.twitter.com/oJkLdujqNr

- FOX5 Las Vegas (@ FOX5Vegas) July 26, 2019

</ p>

Just insane - @ FOX5Vegas @ 8NewsNow @ News3LV @KTNV @VitalVegas @themelissavegas @LasVegasLocally @VegasLifeBaby @ VGKim75 @WinstonDaDoodle @BarkAndreFurry pic.twit.com/WhjGEbbSPU

- 365 in Vegas (@ 365inVegas) July 26, 2019

</ p>

How do grasshoppers migrate?

Just now. It's not snowing. It's grasshoppers. #lasvegas #GRASSHOPPERS pic.twitter.com/HvF6AZGfjQ

- Nancy Ryan (@NancyRyanComic) July 26, 2019

</ p>

In fact, the invasion of so manygrasshoppers has a very scientific explanation, experts say. It's all about the weather. More precisely in the precipitation. The reason was the rainy winter and cool spring. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the rainfall in the state of Nevada between January and June of this year was twice the average annual figure. Grasshoppers, in turn, like arid territories. A specific species of grasshoppers mates, usually at an ambient temperature of about 30-40 degrees Celsius. This is the average temperature in Las Vegas.

According to local entomologist Jeff Knight, for 30 years of his work, he has become at least 5 times a witness of a similar migration.

The migration of these insects has been observed since the 60s. Only in my memory such events happened five times, - the scientist comments.

According to the entomologist, insect invasion in Las Vegas will be observed for several more weeks, after which they migrate to the north, where the weather is drier.

However, this is not yet consoled by the locals:

This is the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life, ”a local resident wrote on Twitter, accompanying the message with some really terrifying photos.

Many share on Twitter an unexpected insect invasion.

You can discuss this and other science and technology news in our Telegram-chat. There you will find not only interesting interlocutors, but also be able to follow the latest materials on our site!