ladybird question

lisacat · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 06:59 PM

Hi,

Recently i have been seeing what looks like the '2-spot' ladybird on my brown rug in my living room. I've seen quite a few. Now, normally i don't mind ladybirds, but as i've had a recent infestation of carpet beetles/other types of domestic beetle, my nerves are really bad, and i just jump at the sign of any small beetle nowadays. I'm wondering why these ladybirds would be attracted to my carpet? They don't do any damage do they? Bit worried. Thankyou.

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 07:10 PM

They are not attracted to carpet and carnt damage it. Are you sure they are ladybirds? if they are aggregating on your carpet its unlikely they are, try and get a photo if you can.

lisacat · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 08:55 PM

Don't have a camera at the moment, but i shall try to with my phone when i next see one. They look exactly like the 2-spot one on google images, the one that's orangey coloured for the most part with black dots, as opposed to the black spotted one. I'm pretty sure they are ladybirds as i've grown all too familiar with those pesky domestic beetles.

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 13-07-2010, 02:19 PM

Could they just be coming in through open windows or on you clothes? are they plentiful outside near your home? It could just be a coincidence your finding them all on the carpet. 2 spot ladybirds have a predatory diet which is quite specific to aphid prey and even then only certain aphid species are eaten. Carpet is definately off the menu.