Beetles invade Argentine town

The small Argentine town of Santa Isabel in the central province of La Pampa has been invaded by a large number of beetles. Biologists explained that unusual heavy rains for this time of the season combined with high temperatures made the bugs reproduce in high numbers.

Thousands and thousands of "cascarudos" as they are known in Argentina, have taken over parks and gardens but also the roofs of houses, where they hide in dark holes and spaces during the day. Santa Isabel deputy mayor told that the city decided to shut down the street and public building lights for the last three days to let the visitors "go away and find another town". The blackout has been effective, and the number of beetles has decreased dramatically.