A new study shows that a large swarm of insects can generate enough electrical charge in the air, according to Interesting Engineering.
(Photo : FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images)
A swarm of mayflies (Ephoron virgo - Ephemeroptera of the Polymitarcyidae family) fly over the surface of the river Danube after sunset in Szentendre, north of Budapest, Hungary, on August 9, 2022. - Mayflies insects disappeared from the big rivers of central Europe due to water pollution in the last 40 years, but they started to return around 2012 as a result of a better quality of the water.
How is This Possible?
The flapping of tiny wings of the insects can disturb electrical charges in a column of air, which is enough to change the electric field of air in a local area significantly. When their wings flap, they shake off electrons from dust, moisture, and insect parts in the air.
When this takes place, negatively charged electrons can loosen, which creates an electrical potential gradient that can be measured.
The discovery builds on other studies that are building up pieces of evidence that insects and other invertebrates can carry charges that provide them a tony potential difference compared to their surroundings. There are even some people who think that baby spiders can use this to get into the air.
The Study
Researchers from the Bristol School of Veterinary Sciences studies a swarm of honeybees by using an electric field sensor and a camera to measure the density of bees. The insects flew over for three minutes, which increased the potential gradient above by up to 100 volts per meter.
Through this, the researchers were able to anticipate how the environmental charge may change if a specific number of bees buzzing over a particular area of air. They also conducted further investigations, which showed the voltage was connected to the swarm.
The researchers also determined that a significant locust swarm could produce charge densities that resemble those found in electrical storms by scaling up individual charges for locusts to plague-sized levels.
Also Read: Cyborg Beetle Lets Scientists Understand Flying Insects Better [Video]
Why is This Important?
Research on insect swarming behavior can allow scientists to learn how the insects collectively affect their environment without the influence of external systems.
The study also shows that there are electrical phenomena are occasionally associated with the movement of insects in the air. Further studies on insect behavior could help researchers determine the impact of their migration on the environment.
In the future, more accurate sensors can be used to measure these charges, which will help researchers make more in-depth studies on the electrical activity in a swarm.
Similar to the Electrical Charge Produced By Thunderstorms
The electric charge produced by a swarm of the locust is similar to that of a thunderstorm, where the buildup of static electricity can cause electrostatic discharges. These sparks are commonly seen during heavy storms and lighting.
Thunderstorms can produce a negative charge in the atmosphere. This charge is often described as positive charges building up on the ground and negative charges building up on a thundercloud. Once the two charges are balanced, lightning can travel between the two sites.
Related Article: MIT Researchers Use Electric Charge To Control Boiling Water Process
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Written by April Fowell
