Has anyone else noticed he enormous numbers of ladybirds this year? Our garden is covered in them.
I guess it might be because of the very mild winter and the recent spell of warm sunny weather.
Hi Bridgeman,
We've had them in our office at work - possibly there's a nest inside somewhere.
Annie
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Einstein
Yes, I've noticed a lot about too.
Not as many as 1976 though when it 'rained' ladybirds in a plague of Biblical proportions.
When you went outside they were in your hair, in your mouth, in your eyes, and every inch of your clothing was covered. What a summer we had that year though!!!
Regards,
Old Hilmian.
Hi Bridgeman, I'm going to be different and say where I am, haven't seen a lot as yet......but that could soon change as the weather picks up.
Viv.
I'm similar to Viv. I've seen a few dozy ones around but not a lot as yet.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
These ladybirds are native to north-eastern Asia.
They were introduced into North America in the 1980's to establish them as a biological predators to control aphids and later into parts of Europe.
By 2004 the Harlequin ladybird had arrived in south east England and have spread rapidly, with sightings now in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ben
Doggie's pic is of a Harlequin Ladybird, but Bridgeman's pics are of the native 7-spot.
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
I gather that the intruders from Europe are slightly bigger and have brown legs compared to our native one's black legs - is that right?
Unknown said: I gather that the intruders from Europe are slightly bigger and have brown legs compared to our native one's black legs - is that right?
Yes, Harlequins usually have brown legs, and most are a shade bigger than 7-spots (though some other native British ladybirds are bigger). Harlequins are also very variable in colour/pattern.