Where are all the ladybirds?!

[sewer rat]

Similarly, I noticed loads about a month or so ago in the various gardens I look after, but thinking about it, they do seem to have vanished quite suddenly - maybe the last cold snap up here did for a lot of them ?

[Brengirl]

Maybe, just maybe, they heard that their house was on fire

[lwcreations]

We have tons of ladybirds on our plot, everywhere you look you see them.

[jackyspratty]

Not seen any yet at all!! Loads of aphids tho

[TallGirl]

Seen a few, and a few hoverflies - not many of either and not many aphids either though. I thought it was probably the cold winter?

Go ladybird porn, we need you!

[maypril]

Tons of ladybirds where I am, and even weirder, tons of aphids. Last year I thought there were record numbers of aphids, but it seems even worse this year.

[jackie j]

A few ladybirds on the plot and in the garden. I also have birds visiting my garden even when the cat is sat looking at them and chatting to them. So far no blackfly, I did have a few greenfly then noticed the birds on them so no more greenfly.

[womble]

I've seen absolutely loads a few weeks ago, it was like ladybirds making babies everywhere you looked.
All/most of my aphids were dealt with and there does seem to be a few larvae about, although I haven't looked that much.

[sqweek01]

I've got quite a few on the elderberry bush at the side of my house. There are tons of aphids on there!

Regards

Clare

[greengas]

Seen quite a few on my plot in particular the celeriac they seem to have taken a liking to hanging out on it

[hamsterqueen]

a few here , but last year there were loads more

[teakdesk]

British and European species of Ladybird are being decimated by the Harlequin ladybird imported from the States.

Chances are if you see a Ladybird now you should squish it to prevent their spread.

Google Harlequin Ladybird for lots more info or start here.

[zazen999]

I thought more native ladybirds were being decimated by people squishing the wrong ladybird than the harlequins were actually affecting.

[womble]

Yes, I would guess that it what is happening.

I've seen normals and aliens mating with each other all over the place and I've heard that hybrids are being born, so I would guess most of us are going to end up with a mostly hybrid population after a few years.