Since my little battle with the cuties below on my potatoes and my awareness of just how many different types of ladybugs I have in the garden at the moment (a good sign of organic gardening I find out)....
I've had the opportunity, as coincidence would have it, to take part in an Australian Ladybug Survey and have my finds placed on a map (and you can too). It is a perfect opportunity to do my bit, as well as a chance to become involved and be even more mindful of the many many tiny ecosystems functioning together in my patch of earth......and maybe, just maybe pay some enjoyable penance for my strong dislike of the creatures a little while ago.
You can watch the episode that pointed me in the direction of taking part on Catalyst here and the wonderful website inspired by Adam Slipinski's tedious and longstanding commitment to finding and describing all the little critters here. After immersing myself years ago in botany and zoology as part of my University studies I have a huge appreciation of the grandiose and patient work they are doing....amazing. All this talk of ladybugs reminds me of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun and that famous ladybug quote.....
"when I was a kid I used to go out and try to look for and catch ladybugs, finally I got tired and fell asleep. When I woke up they were all over me." "Ladybugs Katherine, Ladybugs!"
How many ladybugs are in your garden?
2 comments:
As far as I can tell, all the ladybugs in our garden have gone for a winter's rest. I had no idea there are so many different ladybugs- I've only seen the red ones with black spots. Makes me wonder how many types we have here. Your pictures show some fascinating color combos. And that survey should be a fun project.
Would you like the one that I pulled out of the fridge_thinking it was dead_ that suddenly came to life after a week!
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