Life on a Colorado Farm
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Where Have All the Ladybugs Gone?

The-Roubidoux-Canyon

According to www.lostladybug.org there are more than 400 ladybug species native to North America, but now are considered rare.

Field-of-Daiy's

The Lost Ladybug Project is trying to find out just how many native species are left.

Rim-Rock

Take a look around your farms, yards, and parks and try to photograph any of these familier insects.  Then send the photographs to the website.  Scientists hope to get a better idea of just how many of the native species are left, which exotic ladybugs are taking over and how this might affect our world.

Where-Rivers-Begin

The photos I have added to this post are from the Uncomphgre Plateau, or 25 Mesa, as the locals call it.  I guess what I am trying to say: if we lose the beneficial bugs we can lose the beauty of our land.

As you are out there taking photo, please look for ladybugs and send them in.

Thanks!

Linda

17 Responses to “Where Have All the Ladybugs Gone?”

  1. We have ladybugs every year in abundance but this year was the first exception. It was so dry I dont think they had the right conditions for reproduction in CA. I will definitely join this documentation effort. Thx!!

    Julia - July 31, 2009 at 4:04 am

  2. Now I feel bad about the hoards of them that I vacumed up last year out of my doorways and windows, the house was full of them…Not sure how that makes them endangered. I had corners in the rooms that were just packed, I like ladybugs but not like that..

    Tina Marie - July 28, 2009 at 2:29 pm

  3. we used to have lady bugs that lived in our bedroom all winter long, then the Asian ones invaded and I’ve only seen one or two in the past 7-8 years and that was out side where there was and abundance of them. It is sad that they are all gone. I will keep and eye out for them, thanks for sharing.

    Jody Blue - July 28, 2009 at 4:32 am

  4. I think those nasty Japanese ones ate them all. It’s true, you don’t see them much. And our insect population has changed somewhat since I was a child.

    I imagine it swings all over the place over time, but I can’t help but wonder if we’ve messed it up really good with all our chemicals.

    ~Faith

    Faith - July 27, 2009 at 7:54 pm

  5. Beautiful pictures and great information. I’ll keep my eyes open for the real thing. We have those ‘fake’ ladybugs that really aren’t ladybugs, but hopefully more if I look for them.

    thecrazysheeplady - July 27, 2009 at 5:37 pm

  6. So many insects..ladybugs, bumble bees, honey bees and so on, get eliminated by the crops being sprayed in this area. We still have lady bugs around, I have still not seen a bumble bee here over the past 7 years. Thanks for such an interesting post. blessings,Kathleen

    Eggsinmypocket - July 25, 2009 at 9:14 pm

  7. I didn’t know about this ….. I will definitely start looking for them when I have my camera out.

    Pa Wild Woman - July 25, 2009 at 8:37 pm

  8. Beautiful photos. We don’t have many ladybugs here in Vermont but our farm in the Ozarks is teeming with them.

    Mountain Woman - July 25, 2009 at 6:29 pm

  9. I haven’t thought about it before. I think the reason I don’t see them is because they probably don’t habitate Arizona and are smart not to. But even when I’m up in Utah or Idaho, I still haven’t seen them in a long time. Hmmmmmmmm…..

    Lucy - July 25, 2009 at 12:43 pm

  10. I didn’t realize lady bugs were disappearing too. I know I don’t see them often anymore. I’ll have to keep a look out.

    Megan - July 25, 2009 at 11:00 am

  11. Hi Linda, I think ..and this is just my humble opinion..that we are losing numbers of all kind of bugs..Lady Bugs, Bees..everything except the stupid mosquitoes. Habit destruction, chemicals from corporate farming..to many people using to much land for ASS Fault projects..buildings upon buildings..:(

    Far Side of Fifty - July 25, 2009 at 10:00 am

  12. I saw you on another blog and thought I would stop by for a visit. After seeing your post on the ladybugs I’m glad I did. I had no idea they were considered rare, that is very disturbing.
    I just recently did a post with photos of ladybugs at Ladybug I have posted a photo or two in the past and have more for a later date.

    I will take a look at the website and submit some photos. Thanks for a great post.

    SQ

    SquirrelQueen - July 25, 2009 at 7:50 am

  13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUT1jTx3E8E

    Maybe you have seen this CNN Youtube of a ladybug infestation. It might explain where SOME of the little red insects are hanging out. Maybe these are the alien invaders. When you really pay attention it is fun to see how common things like alfalfa butterflies and ladybugs come so many varieties.

    Leenie - July 25, 2009 at 2:40 am

  14. Oh, THANK you, Linda for alerting us to this AND ESPECIALLY for telling us how to help. So often we feel there is nothing we can do. This is a wonderful thing.

    Robynn's Ravings - July 25, 2009 at 12:10 am

  15. Beautiful pictures you have taken! Thanks for the info on the ladybug project too. Ri and i will be on the lookout!

    Whit - July 25, 2009 at 12:02 am

  16. You know I’ve moved to Houston I don’t see any ladybugs. Maybe, its not the right time of year. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

    Michele - July 24, 2009 at 11:55 pm

  17. Thanks for the info. I will keep an avid eye on my ladybug population.

    julie - July 24, 2009 at 11:25 pm


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