Misquamicut State Beach transformed into a scene from a horror movie on Saturday as dragonfly swarms sent beachgoers scrambling; eyewitnesses reported 'millions' of the winged invaders by noon.

As Rhode Island's most popular beach, Misquamicut State Beach never fails to draw a packed crowd — but no one expected the guest appearance of 'millions' of dragonflies. Video footage captured by Jennifer Serenson and accounts from bewildered beachgoers present a chaotic and surreal scene. While some retreated to their cars and others laughed off the bugs as summer insanity, the insect swarms—harmless to humans—highlight just how quickly nature can turn a day of sunbathing into a plot twist worthy of Hitchcock.

The remarkable event began around 9:30 a.m. when Helene Dombrowski first noticed 'hundreds' of dragonflies darting above the sand. However, by noon, that modest 'hundreds' had escalated dramatically. 'Millions,' Dombrowski reported, had arrived by 12:45 p.m., transforming the beach into an unexpected insect haven.

Eyewitnesses described a scene lacking in typical beach activity, with dragonflies zipping and zooming through the air, sending beachgoers into a frenzy. Jennifer Serenson, who documented this unexpected fly-in on video, showed scenes of people running for cover, children screaming and some braver souls laughing it off. 'It was like a surreal, multi-legged obstacle course,' one sunbather commented.

Misquamicut State Beach, with its over half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, is renowned for its vibrant summer crowd. However, the hordes of dragonflies seemed intent on making their presence just as known. Some visitors sought refuge in their cars, treating the day as if it had transitioned from a beach outing to a drive-in theater with an unexpected horror flick.

Despite the chaos, it's worth noting that dragonflies pose no threat to humans. The insects primarily feed on mosquitoes, a fact that might have otherwise made them more welcomed guests had they not descended in such large numbers. They occasionally hunt smaller mammals like hummingbirds but do not pose a danger to human health.

Biologists suggest that swarms of dragonflies can occur for several reasons. In summer months, these insects are often in their breeding season. Another possibility is that the dragonflies were following a food supply, perhaps a surge of mosquitoes or other flies, which they tend to prey upon. This natural behavior turned Misquamicut State Beach into an unforeseen buffet for the winged visitors.

Richard Sontag, another beach attendee, described the event as an 'invasion,' a term that, while dramatic, accurately captured the sheer volume of dragonflies. 'I've seen swarms before, but nothing on this scale. It was like the air itself was buzzing,' he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Dragonflies, known for their aerial agility and predatory efficiency, had everyone on edge, even if only momentarily. Some children, blissfully uninformed about the harmless nature of the insects, were seen swatting furiously at the airborne intruders. Meanwhile, those in the know tried to comfort them, turning the insect drama into a teachable moment about nature.

While the dragonfly siege was unexpected, nature enthusiasts might argue it was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. 'For those of us who study insects, it's fascinating,' said one local entomologist. 'To see that many dragonflies in one place, behaving as a collective, is extraordinary. It's just unfortunate it disrupted so many people's beach day.'

By late afternoon, the dragonflies seemed to have their fill of mosquitoes and adventure, gradually dispersing and allowing Misquamicut State Beach to return to its typical, more tranquil mode. Beachgoers, who had earlier fled in sheer panic, cautiously emerged from their cars or from behind picnic tables, eyeing the sky to make sure the unexpected visitors had indeed left.

In the end, while the dragonfly invasion turned a sunny beach day into a skittering spectacle of wings and confusion, it was also a reminder of nature's unpredictability. So next time you head to Misquamicut State Beach, don't forget your sunscreen, your towel, and maybe a little bit of patience for whatever flying guests might decide to join you.