Asian Beetle Invasion on Park Point

Molly Ovenden

Digital photography

One week in the summer, an invasion occurred along the lake shore. Heaps of orange, burgundy, red, pink Asian beetles transformed the beach into a vacation destination fit for only these winged migrant creatures (and my curiosity). Parts of the sand moved in an eery manner.

“What is that?!” I gasped to see solid objects, up close, moving as hundreds of individuals: clinging onto sand and driftwood and the cuffs of my clothing. An invasion. Eventually the winds changed and they, and the waves, encouraged these beetles to move on their way.