Huge swarms of flying ants over southern England were mistaken for rain clouds by weather satellites, the Met Office has confirmed. The insects were detected as 'clutter' on radar over Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset, East Sussex and Kent on Wednesday morning.
The phenomenon, known as 'flying ant day', occurs when ants embark on their 'nuptial flight' – a mating ritual triggered by hot, humid weather following rainfall. Professor Adam Hart of the University of Gloucestershire explained that colonies rear potential new queens and males, which take to the air when conditions are right.
Professor Hart noted that the term 'flying ant day' is misleading, as the event can last several weeks throughout July and August, involving billions of ants across the country. The queen emits pheromones to attract males, but only the strongest mate with her, while birds prey on the rest.
A Met Office spokesperson said the ants appeared as showers on radar because 'the radar thinks the beams are hitting raindrops, not ants'. The insects are harmless to humans, though they have been reported to cause a 'drunken' effect on seagulls, possibly due to formic acid.
Professor Hart suspects the satellite sightings are due to more sophisticated technology rather than an increase in ant populations. 'If it is increasing, I think it is potentially a good thing,' he said, 'but I would be cautious to interpret that.'
