Southampton waterfront plagued by mystery bugs

Thousands of tiny beetles have been reported to be swarming around the port area.

Mayflower Park was hit, with bank holiday crowds enjoying the park and view of ships in Southampton docks plagued by the pesky bugs.

Taxi! Thousands of the bugs were hitching rides on taxis - where next ?

There has even been reports of the beetles in Mayflower Cruise Terminal and aboard a cruise ship berthed alongside.

Daily Echo Reader Richard Hopkins said: “I went with my wife and son to Mayflower Park to wave off my wife's parents on a cruise on Caribbean Princess.

“There were millions of tiny beetles everywhere. It was a little bit like a flying ant invasion, but with beetles. They were crawling over everyone's clothes, getting into cars and ice creams.

“I've no idea what was going on. My in-laws reported them being on the boat too, which was at 106 berth, quite a way away.

“Most of the beetles were the same, small green and shiny, but there were some larger ones, some ladybirds and a few that were just a little different mixed in.”

A 20p alongside the bug to show its size.

• Have you seen these bugs elsewhere in the city or Hampshire? Can you identify them? Please email photos or info to newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk or call 02380 424 522.