# Why do bugs swarm over water?

- Institution: TED
- Department: TED-Ed
- Speaker: Luke M. Jacobus
- Year: 2024
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: Biology, Teaching and learning
- Source: [TED](https://www.ted.com/talks/luke_m_jacobus_why_do_bugs_swarm_over_water)
- Licence: [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) (Non-commercial use only, and no changed versions.)
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

For most of the world’s 4,000 mayfly species, adulthood lasts roughly one day. And for some species, it’s only a matter of minutes. This isn’t because they’re all eaten up by predators. Rather, this abridged adulthood is a natural part of their life cycle. So, what role do these bugs play in their ecosystems? Luke M. Jacobus explores the stunningly short life span of the winged insects. \[Directed by Denys Spolitak, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Jarrett Farkas\].

## Lectures

1. [Why do bugs swarm over water?](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/ted/luke_m_jacobus_why_do_bugs_swarm_over_water/60257bccf47e), 5 min (TED's player)