Ladybird influx today

Kittiwake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 12:43 PM

Anyone else have hundreds of ladybirds this afternoon?

The south-facing side of my house is absolutely covered in them, plus a load of flies.

There are a few different kinds of ladybirds too - I'd say at any one time there are about 200-300 on the wall and windows.

What's going on?

ChrisR · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 12:46 PM

It's the normal gathering-together of ladybirds on high, sunny objects at this time of year ... I guess in preparation for them finding hibernating places together. I had a lot of Harlequin Ladybirds on a local nature reserve this morning (see here).

Jason Claxton · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 01:00 PM

Yes Kittiwake if yours are Harlequin LB then they will be variable and look like different species ,when really they are same one.I'd be interested to see a photo of them

Lady_not_a_bird · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 02:00 PM

There are a lot on the south facing wall of my house too. I would say about 100-200 as well.

Im based in Bristol.

Are you anywhere near here?

smiffy66 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 02:14 PM

my kitchen and conservatory are covered in multi-spotted ladybirds today too....inside!! The doors are open admittedly as it is such a nice day. I'm in Hampshire.

Are these ladybirds harmful to thre 'lesser-spotted' varieties that we normally see??:

Elevate29 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 03:05 PM

Same here in SW London

Elevate

TeresaW · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 04:12 PM

As soon as I saw this thread earlier, I checked, and yes the south wall was covered with them. Harlequins and seven-spots.

Due for a sunny day tomorrow, so we may have another display in the afternoon

andy brown · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 05:17 PM

hi, noticed a load of them on the wysteria this morning and thought i would try the new macro lense here are a few shots, id would be useful if you can.

Thanks

Andy

Harlequin i think

?