Filey Bay beaches last sported surprising tidelines about sixteen months ago, when a passing ship flushed paraffin wax (I think) from its tanks.

This morning, the high tide had been marked by beetles, all lives extinguished.

“Plague” and “locusts” were obvious first thoughts, followed by some sympathy for the critters. Insects haven’t been doing too well lately – though they could still inherit the earth when we’re done with it (or when our once beautiful planet rids itself of us).

The Scarborough News found someone who could explain what had befallen Lochmaea suturalis.

Landscape 112 · Arndale