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Produce => Wildlife forum => Topic started by: sumbody on November 12, 2005, 15:50:13

Title: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: sumbody on November 12, 2005, 15:50:13
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

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/sumbody2/Ladybirds003a.jpg)

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

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/sumbody2/Ladybirds004a.jpg)

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

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/sumbody2/4Ladybirds012.jpg)

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 -
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: Georgie on November 12, 2005, 16:46:13
Awww, that is so sweet - lovely pics.   ;D  I do hope they like their new home when it arrives.

G xx
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: undercarriage plan on November 12, 2005, 17:06:28
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
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on November 12, 2005, 19:17:41
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.
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: redimp on November 12, 2005, 19:27:01
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.
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: sumbody on November 12, 2005, 20:17:09
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.
Title: Re: Ladybird Visitors
Post by: redimp on November 12, 2005, 20:26:17
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.