Ladybirds - Spring is here!

werdnal · #1 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 05:30 PM

Saw 2 6 spot LBs today, first of the year. Lovely spring day here, although getting chilly now! I just wondered if they would be hungry, as not likely to be any aphids around for a while yet?

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 05:43 PM

Six spot ladybirds?

Most predatory species will find food in the form of barklice and plant lice. That will keep them going until the aphids increase in population. Ladybird feeding is quite complex and not as simple as just an aphid diet, most only prey on specific aphid species, others can have a huge range of prey.

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 05:46 PM

I'm guessing they are really 7-spot Ladybirds!

Cowgirl · #4 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 05:47 PM

Mine seem to be appearing in the house at the mo, 2 spot & 7 spot. Putting them outside or should I try & keep them in, but then what do they feed on?

werdnal · #5 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I'm guessing they are really 7-spot Ladybirds!

Yes sorry, aeshna and dogghound, slip of the typing finger! They are 7 spots! Should read my posts back before I send!

2dogs2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 13-03-2011, 07:43 PM

I have noticed 7 spot ladybirds warming in the sun and on Thursday my grandaughter (17months) was able to see them for the first time. I have got her in training for WAB

Paul mabbott · #7 (**permalink**) 14-03-2011, 09:52 AM

Yes, I've seen a few 7-spots and Pine ladybirds this year .... and no 'harlequins' to date. As DH notes, the generalist ladybirds such as the 7-spot will eat all sorts of things and, at this time of year, are especiially keen on a sugar boost so will be found on flowers taking nectar. There are also quite a few aphids about - overwintering stages on willow, spindle and oak, for instance but also specialists on e.g. hellebores.