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.
|
21 Incredible Moth Species You Just Have to Meet
Introducing you to 21 remarkable moth species you may like to meet.
This Tiny Octopus Gets Excited When His Human Visits
Watch this tiny octopus as it gets excited and 'plays' with his human friend.
Funny True Facts: The Mosquito
Are these flying bloodsuckers interesting in any way? You're about to be surprised because this video is as fascinating as it is hilarious!
16 Breathtaking Images of Our Planet's Natural Wonders
Take a look at these 16 incredibly well-timed photos of some of our planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
Meet The FASTEST Animal on the Planet
This tiny ant goes from zero to 200 mph in a fraction of a second - which makes it the fastest animal on the planet!
The Gorgeous Nature Shots of Kristina Kotarski!
These beautiful nature shots, mostly of little animals and their surroundings, is guaranteed to fill your eyes with tears of wonder! Well, maybe not tears, but you will definitely be impressed by the clever and skilled shots! There are so many nice p
Time Lapse Extreme: Over 800 Days in 8 Minutes
The satisfaction of sowing a seed and watching it grows is amplified when you see it at high speeds. Enjoy.
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
Exploring the World of 8 Fascinating Pink Animals
Nature has blessed these creatures in stunning shades of pink.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
17 Trees Almost Too Beautiful and Strange To Be Real!
Trees are great, aren’t they? Nature is full of great wonders, but few are as startling as these bizarre but beautiful trees.
This is What Pure Love Looks Like in the Animal Kingdom
This heart-warming photo series proves that the love between a parent and child is universal.
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
This Woman Takes Incredible Wildlife Pics With Hidden Cams
A woman has set up a secret camera in her backyard bird feeder and ends up capturing the most interesting wildlife photos.
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Odd As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
These Flowers Capture a Starry Night On Their Petals
These wonderful flowers appear to have the night sky captured in their very petals. View some stunning photos of them and learn more about them.
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
These Photos Prove How Colorful and Beautiful Our World Is
Our planet is so beautiful and full of color, and these photo go a long way to proving just that.
A HUGE Bird Photography Article Collection!
Aren't birds gorgeous? Well, if you like photos of birds, you should try this enormous collection of 14 bird photography articles from BabaMail!
The Most Stunning Bird Photography of Recent Years...
These gorgeous and exotic birds are the object of some of the most stunning photography of recent years.
These 14 Cute Panda Bears Will Make you Laugh Out Loud!
There is no cuter and funnier animal than a panda bear, and if you don't believe me, these 14 examples will certainly prove it!
19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before
Birds are one of the most varied and beautiful species. These 19 exotic birds are absolutely beautiful!
This Video Proves That Pigs Are Both Cute and Hilarious!
These pigs have the ability to melt your heart, but they often end up making you scream with laughter in the process!
Witness the Magical Views of Norway's Northern Islands
The amazing place you are about to see in this video is Svalbard - an archipelago that is in the northernmost part of the entire kingdom of Norway.
From Alabama to Wyoming: 50 States Blessed with Fall Colors
Before the winter months take over, let's enjoy the beauty of fall in 50 U.S. states.
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
In Pictures: Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 Winners
Check out the stunning winners of the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year contest.
I Have Never Been This Moved by a Flower's Beauty
Nature is full of plenty of surprises, but none surpass the varied beauty of these wild flowers. Enjoy this series of gorgeous, delicate rare flowers to add some beauty to your day!
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
Say Hello to the Tiniest Bird You'll Ever See!
How small is the tiniest bird ever recorded? Watch this video and find out!
These Natural Phenomena Will Leave You Completely Aghast
Some of the natural phenomena in this world are completely unique and really need to be seen to be believed. Here are 25 phenomena
Useless Tusks and Dolphin-Lizards: Oddest Extinct Animals
Strange and unbelievable prehistoric animals. Get familiar with these magnificent ancient dinosaurs that used to roam the planet with their bizarre but fascinating looks.
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
The Astonishing Story of the Horse Who Could Do MATH
One of the most mathematically gifted and famous animals ever known was Clever Hans - a horse who lived in Germany in the early 1900s
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
WATCH: 12 Stunning Underwater Landscapes On Video
Live under the waves is fascinating and beautiful, but it's only recently that we've been able to capture it in all its glory. View these 12 stunning videos.
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.
See Colorful Butterflies in Gorgeous Detail
We present you with our most beautiful photo galleries of butterflies and moths all in in one page.
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.