当地时间3月10日，美国《纽约邮报》撰写了一篇报道称“中国遭遇‘虫子雨’，居民被告知出门打伞”，并配上一则源自社交媒体的短视频。

推特上，一些外媒也纷纷转发，不少美国网友信以为真，有人甚至直呼“末日来临”……

随后，有中国网友指出这是“假新闻”，所谓的“虫子”其实只是杨树花。

《纽约邮报》在这篇“造谣”报道中写道：

“中国辽宁省的市民被告知寻找避难所，因为看起来天上下起了虫子雨。一段网络疯传的视频显示，该地区似乎被小蠕虫淹没了，洒得满车都是。视频显示，居民们日常外出或路过时都打着雨伞……”

"Citizens of the Chinese province of Liaoning were told to find shelter after it looked like it started to rain worms. A viral clip showed the area apparently being showered with little worms, which were splattered all over cars. The video showed residents covering themselves with umbrellas as they go along with their routines and wander past."

但美媒的这波“硬黑”，实在是过于拙劣。但凡见过或了解杨树花的人，立即就能拆穿……