What is the deal? These things are everywhere! You cannot even go outside with one flying and landing on you! Where did they come from? I have never seen so many in my entire life! They are covering everything!
2007-11-06 07:05:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Ladybugs, like everything else, come and go in cycles. One year there are a few ladybugs, next year there are more, then more -- until you get a year like this one, when they are EVERYWHERE. At the same time the ladybugs are increasing, so are the animals/bugs that eat them. Soon, there will be so many 'enemies' that they decimate the ladybug population, so next year there will be far fewer ladybugs around. Then the 'enemies' die off too -- and the ladybug population can start to increase and the whole cycle begins again.
This year's 'infestation' of ladybugs is NOTHING compared to about 10 years ago -- at least not in CT where I am. Ten years ago there were so many ladybugs you had to keep your mouth covered when you went outside, to avoid breathing them in! It was INCREDIBLE -- they were like rain!
2007-11-06 17:32:51 · answer #1 · answered by luvrats 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Ladybug is actually a Ladybird beetle,(family Coleoptera)
is a very useful insect who consumes Aphids.
The Ladybug is light brown colored, may be spotless, 2 spotted, 9 spotted, or 5 spotted, is about the size of half a split pea.
They are so beneficial that they are for sale for gardeners. They are trying to come in.
It is a sign of approaching cold weather. We had hordes of them last week.
This week, temps are freezing at night. You can touch and hold them, they are harmless.
2007-11-06 17:26:57 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup... Asian beetles are big this year (they're the ones that look like Ladybugs, but they bite.) I don't know about actual Ladybugs, but, if the Asians are doing well, the Ladybugs probably are too.
2007-11-06 07:51:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ladybird beetles also aggregate in fall when seeking a site to overwinter. They seek a dry, wind free site to wait for spring thaw. You can build a site for them where they gather and they may stay away from the house.
2007-11-06 11:31:22 · answer #4 · answered by paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is introduced from Asia. They were brought in to control agricultural pest insects without spraying. They are looking for a warm place to stay over the winter.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/lbeetle/
2007-11-06 10:13:43 · answer #5 · answered by gardengallivant 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://www.stitchingbydesign.com/Products/Ladybug.png
2007-11-06 07:37:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋