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.
|
This Video Opens Up a World of Flowers, Beauty and Color
A beautiful video of young flowers opening in stunning colors.
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.
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!
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!
The Billion-Bug Highway In the Sky - Terrific!
Watch this charming video to behold the great bug highway in the sky!
The Dance of the Peacock Spider Is Something to Behold!
One of the cutest tiny dances, not to mention creatures. .
Gaze in Wonder at These 35 Amazing Photos of North America
North America has so much wonderful natural variety that it's easy to see why many believe it was blessed by God himself. Here are 35 amazing photos.
This Bird is a Masterful Trickster When It Comes To Feeding
The Drongo bird is one of nature's greatest tricksters. Watch this video to find out how it tricks meerkats into bringing food to it.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
Is There a More Beautiful Creature Than the Proud Peacock?
Some may argue that the peacock is the most beautiful bird in the world. The colors of the peacock is where nature truly shines...
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
The Top 10 Animal World Record Holders Are Totally Awesome
From a bird doing slam dunks to a dog freely skateboarding through a human tunnel, here are the top ten animal Guinness World Record holders!
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
You Won’t Believe These Natural Peculiarities Really Exist
Let’s expand our knowledge of nature with these unbelievable photos showcasing some of the strangest, coolest and creepiest things in nature
Nature is Amazing in So Many Ways – 20 Beautiful Pics
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us. Check out some glorious nature pics here.
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.
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 Bizarre Animals You Just Don't See Every Day...
There are so many odd species of animals roaming the corners of the Earth. 15 bizarre looking animals I never knew existed on the planet!
World's Biggest Snake: This Massive Anaconda Is 26ft-Long!
Scientists have just discovered the world’s biggest snake in Amazon rainforest.
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
Sloths: Masters of Slow-Motion Evolution
The sloth is much more interesting than you ever realized.
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.
These Photographs Beautifully Capture Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy this stunning series of orange, red and golden sunsets, and share with those who have beauty in their heart.
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
Fly Through the Most Royally Stunning Castles of Europe!
I love this wonderful drone footage of the great castles and palaces of old Europe so much I just had to share it with you. It's a true life fairytale.
Witness The Magical World of Brazil’s Terra Ronca Cave
Treasures buried in the heart of the earth are not only silver and gold but also rare natural wonders. This is the Terra Runica Cave, enjoy your tour!
These Stunning Trees Are Unlike Anything I've Ever Seen
There are many variety of trees that grow on our planet, but some stand out from the rest. The following trees grow in all forms of shapes and colors. They will surely take your breath away.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
Find Out More About North American Butterflies Here
Mankind has always been fascinated by butterflies and that fascination hasn't died down today. Take a look at these informative images.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
Watch Penguin Chicks Hatch in this Beautiful Nature Video
This fascinating video uses hidden cameras to capture the moments when baby penguins emerge from their shells, ready to be shown off by their proud dads.
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!
Inspired Gardening: The Most Beautiful Garden Quotes
Gardening is more than just a hobby - it's a quality that teaches us and inspires. Here are 12 heartwarming quotes that will inspire your gardening.
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!
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.
The Most Adorable Otter Ever Will Teach You About Otters
This little orphaned river baby otter is so cute, you'll never want to stop watching it. But if you do, you'll learn all about otters while accompanying on his little day. Are you ready to learn about otters?
A Photo Guide to Beautiful Birds of Prey
A comprehensive photo-guide of common and rare birds of prey.
These 40 Beautiful Birds Were Perfectly Photographed
40 great bird photographs taken in Taiwan by the well-known Taiwanese photographers John and Fish
Beautiful & Weird Creatures of the Sea - Collection
In this collection, you'll find some of the most strange, beautiful and remarkable creatures under the waves.
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.