A swarm of ladybugs descended on Great Britain (6 photos + 3 videos)
Ladybirds have taken over British towns, forcing residents to take shelter. Beachgoers in seaside resorts such as Weston-super-Mare have been confronted with an infestation of the insects, with millions of the bugs clinging to every surface. And on Thursday, a swarm of ladybirds disrupted a cricket match. 
Experts believe it is the biggest infestation since the 'ladybird invasion' of 1976, and are linking it to the recent heatwave.
Videos of the infestation have emerged. One popular video shows a woman covered in a swarm of the insects. The caption reads: "Take this as a sign not to go to the beach today." 
Other footage shows hundreds of ladybirds crawling on prams, cars, umbrellas and even people's food.
Professor Stuart Reynolds, from the University of Bath, said: "Ecology is a complex system and the cause and effect relationships are not straightforward. However, the recent heatwave and drought have certainly played a role. I think the favourable weather conditions of recent months have contributed to the sharp increase in aphid populations in fields and woodlands. Ladybirds are eating aphids and this has led to an increase in numbers."
video-UK hit by ladybird swarm-1 
Reynolds says there is absolutely nothing to worry аbout: "It has happened before and it will happen again. Boom and bust cycles are normal in nature."
"Ladybirds may give you a little nibble - just to see if you are edible, or maybe because you have a bit of salty skin - but they will not cause any harm. Ladybirds are not a plague! They are beautiful and we should admire them! Who doesn't love ladybirds?
video-Britain hit by ladybird swarm-2 
Britain has been experiencing unusually hot weather in recent weeks. Last Friday the temperature rose to a record 34.7°C.
Like all insects, ladybirds and aphids speed up their life cycle in warm weather.
The recent heatwave has been so sweltering and dry that plants and aphids have begun to wilt.
"It's been a tough few weeks for the aphids, and now the poor ladybirds have nothing to eat," said Professor Reynolds. 
video-Ladybird swarm hits UK-3
The large number of ladybirds is a good sign. Not only do they kill pests, they also serve as food for birds.
Professor Tim Coulson, from Oxford University and author of the papers, said: "Predators like ladybirds play a key role in ecosystems. Their disappearance could have catastrophic consequences. Be kind to ladybugs! Don't harm them, they help control pests. It's better to have ladybugs in your garden than to use insecticides to control aphids." 
