This is the moment moths swarmed around a road, forming blanket like a lyare of snow in China.

Footage shows the insects clustering around the Yuanshui Bridge on a dark night in Changde, Hunan province, on September 1.

A woman driving through the area was stunned by the sheer number of moths outside her car window. Startled and fearful, she watched as countless moths covered the bridge area.

Local media reported that it was a nuptial flight during the mayfly breeding season, with large numbers of mayflies gathering around the bridge lights, creating a snow-like spectacle.

Insect carcasses piled up to 5cm deep on the bridge, causing traffic to be paralysed for a while due to the slippery road surface.

The local agricultural department said that mayflies are beneficial insects, part of the biological chain in the lake zone, and their massive appearance indicates that the local water environment is improving.