Ladybird Visitors

[sumbody]

My first posting of pictures - hope it works.

Over the last week I have seen ladybirds indoors - I put one on the Kitchen windowsill on Tuesday (1st floor flat, Victorian House,  London) on Wednesday, one was on the top of the wardrobes/ceiling joint - then by yesterday there were 3



Then yesterday my son found another - I told him to put it with the rest - this morning it was alone -  in the same position on ceiling - but about 2 feet away



Dont know if I frightened it with the flash of the camera, but half hour after taking these pics ........



there are 4 in a row now - the "newbie" has joined from the right side as the 2 in the middle have not moved.  I am sure they are calling their friends  ;D  I don't mind them being there - but as they fly, I wouldnt relish the thought of one of them dropping on me while I'm asleep especially if my mouth's open  lol

I have now bought today online a ladybird habitat - to stick in the ground outside - with a bit of food to tempt them in - don't just want to sling them out just as it is getting colder and I know it will be beneficial for my garden next year.

Might get my son's help to coax them in though -

[sumbody]

[Georgie]

Awww, that is so sweet - lovely pics.   ;D  I do hope they like their new home when it arrives.

G xx

[undercarriage plan]

Brilliant pics, Somebody! I've noticed loads of ladybirds this season, but have barely seen a butterfly...though caught sight of one lonely Red Admiral today.
Lottie

[Robert_Brenchley]

Ladybirds look for warm places to hibernate this time of year. It's been an interesting year for them; there were very few at first, doubtless due to the low temperatures, then the numbers really built up later.

[redimp]

Sorry to rain on your parade but if I were you I would forward that photo to the relevant authorities as they look suspiciously like harlequin ladybirds to me.

[sumbody]

I did see a thread here about the Harlequins - and I actually looked at it today comparing pics - but thought they were too red to be Harlequins and too small -  I will look it up again and maybe send a pic - just in case.   Thanks for the advice and will post back any results.

Just editing to say have reported possible sighting to the Harlequin Survey site, sent pic too.  I hope they are not H's because I am looking forward to re-homing them - but we shall see.

[redimp]

If too small you should be OK.  Colour of Harlequins though is variable.  Hope they are alright as they have obviously got a safe place to hibernate.