Many are calling it an invasion of bibilical proportions after these beetles took over an Argentinian beach.
Beachergoers check out the ‘biblical plague’ of beetles. Picture: Supplied.
MILLIONS of bugs have invaded a beach in Argentina in biblical proportions, with many suggesting it could be a sign of an impending apocalypse.
Beachgoers reacted with shock and horror as the beetles inundated Mar de Ajo beach, 48km from the capital of Buenos Aires, The Sun reported.
Like scenes from a horror film, the beach appeared to turn black as the plague of beetles covered kilometres of coastline.
Concerned onlookers have compared the beetle invasion to a biblical plague. Picture: Supplied.
No one is exactly sure what is behind the phenomenon, but some have speculated an earthquake or migration could be responsible.
Some social media users believe it is a sign of the end of the world, claiming the influx of beetles is an “ominous warning of impending doom” and “the end of times is near … they can sense it.”
One commentator said they look like the Black Maize Beetle (Heteronychus Arator), which “are known for having mass flights in the summer/autumn where they mate”.
Or it’s some similar type of beetle. They only live for a few days at that stage after crawling out of the ground.
“So a lot of beetles flew, got swept out to sea by the winds, and then came back to the beach, most of them dead or dying. Most likely scenario I can come up with.”
Scientists say the beetles live for about two years underground and come out to mate.
They only live for four more days during this cycle.
A social media user said they are likely the Black Maize Beetle. Picture: Supplied.
The “hatching” takes place every year and although in the past it usually takes place in January, for the last couple of years it has been happening later.
Now local news says locals are trying to sell the beetles online. According to one ad, a man is offering them for $AU88.90 per kg.
According to some, secretions from the insect can strengthen the body’s defences against cancer, AIDS, asthma and diabetes, among other illnesses.
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