Ladybugs to the Rescue!
Ladybugs are heroes to plants. They help farmers grow healthy crops. Clara H. explains how these important non-pest insects are on the decline and how we can help save them.
By Clara H.
Ladybugs may be small, but they make a big difference. They are very important creatures because they protect our plants ALL DAY! This includes crops eaten by people. They do this by eating insects such as asphids or spiders that can kill the plants. Ladybugs eat up to about 5,000 bugs in a whole lifetime, according to National Geographic. Sadly, due to habitat loss and adjustments in climate, ladybugs are threatened.
Ladybugs are very sensitive to certain temperature changes, which will lead them to death from dehydration and overheating. As the earth heats up due to the climate crisis, ladybugs are one of many non-pest insect populations that are dwindling (NBC News).
Like many other animals and insects, another threat is the reduction of habitat. Gardeners can help build habitat for ladybugs by planting flowers or vegetables and leaving some pest species on the plants for the predatory ladybugs to eat. They can also leave leaves on the ground in autumn to provide a winter habitat.
Another tip is to avoid pesticide or soap insecticide use. These are just some of the ways that we can help save the ladybugs.
Ladybugs come in an array of colors. Researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge found that the more conspicuous and colorful the ladybug species, the less likely it is to be attacked by birds. Would-be eaters think the brighter the bug, the more toxic its poison.
