Guess Who Came to Dine with my Ladybugs?
@bagarad (14283)
Paso Robles, California
April 28, 2016 6:19pm CST
Today when I did my ladybug count, I was delighted to see they had a dinner guest on the calendula plant. I'm sorry it's a bit out of focus, but that's a lacewing next to that top ladybug. Lacewings can eat as many or more aphids a day than ladybugs.
I have never seen as many ladybugs in my yard as today. I discovered more than I could count, along with several larvae on my wormwood plant, which is larger than calendula. The bad news I discovered when I started taking macro shots. It looks like a black variety of aphid has moved in and is trying to take over my plant. I wonder why so many aphids this year when I've never had them before.
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8 responses
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
29 Apr 16
did'ja buy some new plants, hon? many times those't the grocery store/lowe's/walmart 'n e'en the nurseries're laden with those pesky critters. i hope that'cha got 'nough reinforcement there with the comin' 'f those lacewings.
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@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
29 Apr 16
No new plants this year except the ones that reseeded. The perennials were planted three years ago. They were purchased at an organic herb farm locally at that time. There's never been a problem with any of these plants before. I'm wondering if they got too much water during the recent rains or if the humidity between rains weakened them.
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@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
30 Apr 16
@crazyhorseladycx Me, too. I love those little bugs.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
29 Apr 16
@bagarad too much moisture'll sure bring'em. i'm jest glad mother natures lil "helpers" 've come to yer aide :D
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@marguicha (230350)
• Chile
29 Apr 16
Ladybugs are one of the most benephicial insects there are. And so beautiful!
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@marguicha (230350)
• Chile
29 Apr 16
@bagarad There are some that have more black dots.
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@peavey (16936)
• United States
29 Apr 16
It's too early for most insects to be out here (going to be 31 tonight and possible snow/rain), but last year I saw more ladybugs than usual. I hope it's not a harbinger for more aphids than usual. I'd say that's why you have more ladybugs. They follow the food!
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