For most of our lives we've lived in the mountains. In the late fall, ladybugs (ladybirds, lady beetles) migrate to high ground to overwinter. They huddle together to keep warm as a group in what is called diaspora. Many times they choose a hollow log or some protected area from winter cold and winds. This week since it was warm in the late afternoon, we have lots of ladybugs getting in the screen porch. I am spending time catching them and letting them out of doors again so they can make it back to their group.
Ladybugs are beneficial insects eating thousands of aphids, scale insects and plant mites. Apparently ladybugs are attracted to light colored homes with a clear southwest exposure. That means our home is the perfect attractant to them.
Lady-bird, Lady-bird fly away home
the field mouse is gone to her nest
the daisies have shut up their sleepy red eyes
and the birds and the bees are at rest
Lady-bird Lady-bird fly away home
the glow worm is lighting her lamp
the dew is falling fast, and your fine speckled wings
will flag with the close clinging damp.
Lady-bird, Lady-bird fly away home
the fairy bells tinkle afar
make haste or they'll catch you and harness you fast
with a cobweb to Oberon's star.
from Helen Ferris, Favorite Poems Old and New,
Selected for boys and girls (Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1957
White Rabbit to you all. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Such pretty little creatures. I've not seen any ladybirds around here for ages...but then, I guess, I've really not been looking for them. I might just have to wander around outside tomorrow in search to see if I can find any. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, thanks, they are hard to pick up too because their outer shell is hard and they are so small, so I get them to crawl onto a piece of stiff paper and then carry them out.
DeleteHares and Rabbits!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi, thanks, hares and rabbits to you. hope we get good luck all month long.
DeleteI adore ladybugs. And relish the havoc they work on aphids. There are companies over here which sell them to help gardens and gardeners.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks, years ago when I was organic gardening I ordered ladybugs and read they need to be kept contained for two weeks so they don't fly away. If there ever was in insect that was endearing it is definitely the ladybug.
ReplyDelete