Ladybird population explosion

[Chris Knight]

Those with memories stretching back 31 years may remember the ladybird "plague" of 1976. This followed the long hot summer, and the 1974-76 dry spell, with clouds of aphids swept over the UK from Europe in the wake of the harvest. The native ladybird population boomed with all this extra food, and then the overwintering beetles hibernated in large numbers, in homes and garden sheds etc.

I have just noticed the large numbers of 10-spot ladybirds, larvae and pupae on the leaves of sycamores, which are still aphid infested, here in Worthing, West Sussex. Has anyone else noticed a population explosion?

[Hiya]

I have seen increased ladybird numbers this year yes.

[Andy Bown]

Has anyone else noticed a population explosion?

Yes, I saw one today, that's an explosion compared to the paltry zero for months on end!

[Greyowl]

Can't say I have seen any more Ladybirds than usual this year.

[Nick H]

Certainly remember the ladybirds of 1976 but can't say I have noticed an increase in ladybirds, on the contrary I rarely saw any this year.

One thing that also decreased from last year is wasps - unsurprisingly.

[Chris Knight]

Hmmm, If you don't like Ladybirds, avoid Worthing then! In fact it is good general advice - avoid Worthing.