Between the end of spring and the beginning of a new summer, the Tisza River in Hungary is host to one of the most incredible natural phenomena, as millions of long tailed mayflies form huge masses and rise from the water, flutter and dance above the surface, mate, flutter and perish, all in a few hours.
In addition to stunning photos, you can jump to a video of this amazing creature.
|
This amazing event may last for 3-4 days, and is commonly known as the "Blooming of the Tisza". The Tisza mayfly was named after the river it is found in, and is the largest species of mayfly in Europe. Their average length is about 12 cm (4.7 inches) from head to long tail. However, most of their lives - 3 years - they spend as larva living in the mud at the bottom of the river. After hatching, they are pressed for time; the males have only hours to find females and mate with them before they die.
|
As a result, the males swarm and dance above the river, trying to mate with the females on the surface. After mating, the females will fly upstream (because their eggs will drift with the current of the river) and deposit their eggs along the way. The eggs will drift and after 45 days, hatch into the larva. The larva then create tunnels in the mud, creating crude and densely populated colonies. 3 years later, the cycle begins anew. |
With the males having barely 3 hours to carry out the biggest mission of their lives and all of the hatching happening at once, the sight of the synchronized dancing of these millions of insects is astounding. As you will see in the photos below, their numbers are so great that at times it is impossible to drive on nearby bridges and roads! Also, after mating, most of these mayflies die, which means huge piles of them need to be cleared off the roads. They are harmless to people and so many gather to watch this incredible display - a mass mating dance.
|
|
From a biological point of view, the advantages of this huge, synchronized hatch are obvious: as insects can only mate in their adult stage, by synchronizing the hatch, the chance of finding a partner is maximized, which is very important for species with such a short adult life stage. Furthermore, predators like bats or birds are surprised by this sudden appearance of clouds of prey, and so can hunt only a small fraction of the population.
|
I Never Knew Hermit Crabs Did This. Wow.
Some animals create incredible structures and patterns, this is the story of the hermit crabs, and their galaxy of sand balls.
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
The Billion-Bug Highway In the Sky - Terrific!
Watch this charming video to behold the great bug highway in the sky!
Hilarious Nature: True Facts About Elephants!
Come with us as we explore this huge mammal, make some jokes and meet one of the smartest and most fascinating of all animals, the elephant.
If You Can, Check Out the Majestic Bison of Yellowstone Park
View, watch and learn about these amazing beasts.
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
The Humble Origins of 10 Proud Rivers...
Did you ever wonder just how the world's greatest rivers begin? Here we show you the humble little sources of 10 amazing rivers. Just click to see!
5 Ancient Forests and What You Can Find There
This list contains 5 of the world’s most ancient forests that stood here far longer than us, their must-see spots and how to get there
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.
Nature Photography: 15 Stunning Award-Winning Images
Check out the winning nature photos from the International Photo Awards 2022.
Animal Crossings Are a Huge Step For Wildlife Conservation
Animal crossings are an invention that has contributed significantly to lowering the number of animals killed on the roads. Here are 20 around the world.
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
Australia is the Land of the Most Bizarre Creatures!
Australia is the land of the most bizarre creatures!
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
New From Nature: 11 New Animal Species Discovered in 2022
Today, we will acquaint you with 2022's 11 newly discovered species of animals and delve into the reasoning behind their distinctive names.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
Behold the Gaur: The Largest Wild Cow on Earth
Let’s get up close and personal with the mighty Indian gaur, known as the world’s biggest wild cow.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
16 Fascinating Plants You Have to See to Believe!
How many of these interesting plants have you seen before?
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
Australia Is Home to Some of the World’s Cutest Animals
Australia is home to most living marsupials, a family of mammals unlike any other on earth.
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
Stop Killing Centipedes in Your Home! Here's Why...
When it comes to common house centipedes, it many be far more beneficial for you to simply leave them alone instead of killing them. Here's why.
Extreme Alternative Agriculture: Growing Basil Underwater
Join us on a swim to Nemo’s Garden, a hydroponic garden at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.
14 Incredible Sights from the Mighty Andes
We have curated a stunning collection of photos that showcase one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
15 Times Birds Built Nests in the Most UNUSUAL Places
Some birds build their nests in the most unusual places, such as a mop, a helmet, and even a bag.
These Are the Best Nature Walks in the Entire World
There's no doubt that walking in nature is good for the soul, so imagine what it would do for you along the very best routes in the world. Here are 10 of them.
Defying the Natural Order - When Fish Eat Birds
Watch this giant trevally leap out of the water to catch unsuspecting birds in the most sensational fashion.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
These Intimate Animal Portraits Will Leave You Stunned
Photographer Pedro Jarque Krebs takes intimate close-ups of wild animals. Here are some if his best shots.
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
The Sheer Beauty of Nature Is Captured in Words & Images
Enjoy these spectacular photos alongside some words of wisdom.
These Landscape Photos Won Awards for a Good Reason
The winners of The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, and it’s the perfect excuse to gaze at their stunning pictures.
The Ocean’s Floor Is Alive with Colorful Sea Slugs
The ocean is vast and mysterious, populated with alien like colorful creatures. These sea slugs are mesmerizingly beautiful.
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.