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Anyone seen any ladybirds?

NattygirlNattygirl Posts: 21
in Wildlife gardening

I was expecting to see some ladybirds by now as we had lots last years but haven't seen a single one yet and plants are being over run by blackfly ( and ants). We dont use pesticides but I'm wondering if neighbours do. I know ants protect blackfly from ladybirds but surely I'd see some flying about by now. Is it a low year?

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Posts

  • iceice Posts: 332

    I've seen one inside (was rescued) and a yellow one and a few mutispot ones but no normal 7 spot ones

  • LoxleyLoxley NottinghamPosts: 4,964
    Found a larva on some chickeed I was pulling up. Transferred to my foxgloves, which have aphids image
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 82,136

    Not seen many - a few natives on the grapevine in March, and some Harlequins on the roses a couple of weeks ago.  I think it's too chilly - they're still hiding and keeping warm. 

    We don't use insecticides and neither do any of the neighbours around us image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Wonky LegsWonky Legs Posts: 22
    I have loads in my garden at the moment, it's the first growing season in the new place so not sure if this is normal or not.
  • Fishy65Fishy65 Posts: 2,272

    I can't recall seeing any either Nattygirl image

  • WintersongWintersong Posts: 2,436

    Remember two sightings since start of the year, both seven spots 

  • pansyfacepansyface PEAK DISTRICT DerbyshirePosts: 21,183

    No, I can't say I've been tripping over them. Funny because the window frames of the house were filled with them during the winter. I have seen a few of the funny little brownish yellow ones hiding in curled up plum leaves, presumably having a quiet snack on the aphids.

    I'm more worried about the lack of bees, both bumble and honey. Normally the cotoneaster horizontalis is alive with them. This evening I saw one small bumblebee and one wasp on it.image However, the weather here has been awful for weeks, colder than usual, and wet and windier than normal. I think a few may have been unable to get out and feed and have pegged out.

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
  • PetrichorPetrichor Posts: 12

    I had dozens that woke up from hibernating in my shed. Seen none since then though. 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet PeterboroughPosts: 26,848

    Same for met Petrichor. Dripping out when we opened the French doors after winter and where did they go?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Leicestershire, UKPosts: 11,391

    Marked lack of them here too.  No aphids to mention either though, so perhaps it's a case of a 'foxes and rabbits' type population swing?

     

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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