SEAGULLS have been 'getting drunk' feasting on flying ants as the temperatures rose for summer.

Dubbed 'Flying Ant Day', the heatwave which saw temperatures soaring towards 30 on Monday meant the insects appeared in their thousands and began to swarm.

In Brighton scores of seagulls were seen congregating across roads, caring little for the cars hurtling towards them. They were also spotted stomping the ground in parks hoping to tuck into scores of one of their favourite snacks.

Wildlife experts claim the birds experience a similar sensation to getting drunk after gorging on the ants. The seagulls lose their inhibitions - stealing food from people's hands and raiding bins more than usual and leading to fears of more attacks. But they are also known to fly into buildings or the paths of cars.

Dr Rebecca Nesbit, an entomologist with the Society of Biology, has said the ants produce formic acid which can "stupefy" the gulls. She said the amount eaten could explain why gulls were not flying away from danger quickly.

This led some to fear an increase in seagull attacks but Woodingdean wildlife expert Roger Musselle said they were more more likely to get hit by cars and suggested the idea of the gulls getting drunk was an urban myths.

He said: "I think they probably just like the flavour. It's fairly normal this time of year for it to happen because of the weather conditions. As soon as the flying ants come out you can see the gulls circling. They will go on to the grass or nearer roads where they can get to the ants."

The rise in heat tempts the first ants out and it is thought Queen ants take their cue from the weather to venture out of their nests on a 'nuptial flight', seeking males from other colonies to mate with.

Once far enough away from their own colonies to avoid inbreeding, they release pheromones to attract suitors.

The males are led on a chase to ensure only the fittest get to mate - which leaves large numbers of insects available to predators like seagulls.