Years ago I discovered
ladybugs when I had an organic garden in the San Francisco bay area. I learned ladybugs are beneficial and eat aphids. Back then in the Spring I actually purchased ladybugs to release in my garden. A ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in it's lifetime.
A few years later I moved to the Sierra Nevada mountains. One year in the late fall I discovered millions of ladybugs congregating at the base of an old stump clumped together. I learned they were gathering together to hibernate for the winter.
Recently here in the Georgia mountains I've found a few ladybugs in the house up in the corners of an upper bedroom. The ladybugs won't do any harm and will leave in the Spring.
This afternoon I was sitting on the front deck and saw several ladybugs walking around. I thought they might be thirsty from basking in the South facing sun. I gathered a bit of water on the table beside my chair and placed it in front of one of the ladybugs. The ladybug went up and took a drink. What a wonderful ladybug day.
Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
What a lovely moment for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi, thanks, I was amazed that the ladybug went right up to the water and took a drink, even the insects are smarter than I realize.
DeleteHi Barbara, thanks, knew you'd like to see the ladbugs, aren't they sweet.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, knew you'd like to see the ladbugs, aren't they sweet.
ReplyDeleteI always welcome them. And a ladybug day, like a rainbow day, is a good one.
ReplyDeleteHi Elephant's Child, thanks, yes both are rare and to be celebrated.
DeleteLadybirds as we call them down this way, along with praying mantis' are a garden's best friends.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, thanks, ladybirds, sounds much better than bugs. Ha and they deserve the name.
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