Insect swarms might generate as much electric charge as storm clouds

The role insect-induced static electricity plays in the atmosphere may be unappreciated

A swarm of locusts flies over a field.

A simulation built using data from honeybees suggests that large locust swarms, like the one pictured here, could produce as much electricity as a storm cloud.

John Carnemolla/Getty

You might feel a spark when you talk to your crush, but living things don’t require romance to make electricity.