The Secret life of Ladybirds

One of the things I love about life is recognising the seemingly insignificant aspects that would otherwise have been missed. Things that happen every day, little miracles if you will, that seem to happen without our focus that really are special. I try always each day to recognise something that adds a freshness and meaning to the day.

One such thing occured the other day where I saw a cluster of ladybirds on a small bush. They, for the most part, seemed sleepy or relaxed, perhaps they were "chillin" but it was a very interesting few minutes to witness and photograph. A very astute friend and Vet, also saw the small miracle and provided to me the following information. Dr Stephen Van Mil is a highly regarded animal conservationist and genuinely nice guy.

I used a Nikon P90 camera with the macro mode and the lens was almost next to the subjects. it has a 1mm macro capability and retails for $699. Can you believe it!! Amazing. My big SLR digitals cannot get this close without expensive lenses.

I thought I would share these pictures I took provided with the great info Stephen kindly shared. Enjoy!
















October- February: Adult ladybirds spend winter in a dormant state, known as 'overwintering'.

March- April: Adult ladybirds become active and leave their overwintering sites to find food, aphids (greenfly).

May: Male and female ladybirds mate.

June- July: Mated females lay eggs which hatch into immature stages called 'larvae'. Larvae feed on aphids then form 'pupae'.

August: The new generation of adult ladybirds emerge from the pupae.

September: These new adults feed but do not mate until next spring after they have overwintered.