Date: 10/11/2008 16:29:21
From: bon008
ID: 37403
Subject: Ladybirds

Did anyone watch Catalyst the other day?

There was an interesting story about the different kinds of ladybirds, and in particular, foreign invaders to look out for. They are doing a ladybird survey which I thought you guys might be interested in – they want people to take pictures of ladybirds in their backyards and send the photos in.

Here’s some more info:
Catalyst – Ladybird story



Catalyst – Ladybird survey

(P.S. hi all – busy at work at the moment so not around much)

Reply Quote

Date: 10/11/2008 17:25:58
From: pepperspray
ID: 37407
Subject: re: Ladybirds

I LOVE ladybirds – except for last Sunday when one turned up on a tomato at a local hotel restaurant. It had yellow spots not red.

Reply Quote

Date: 10/11/2008 17:59:14
From: Happy Potter
ID: 37408
Subject: re: Ladybirds

Oh cool , love ladybirds.
I’ve got heaps out the back, I showed my grandson them running about the vege patch and along the wire mesh fences. They’re the good sort.

Reply Quote

Date: 10/11/2008 18:19:20
From: pepe
ID: 37410
Subject: re: Ladybirds

Happy Potter said:


Oh cool , love ladybirds.
I’ve got heaps out the back, I showed my grandson them running about the vege patch and along the wire mesh fences. They’re the good sort.

i saw one on the native trees – i presumed it was a good one – not sure tho’.

Reply Quote

Date: 11/11/2008 05:04:48
From: aquarium
ID: 37440
Subject: re: Ladybirds

i just have the regular kind of ladybirds. this time around, as garden’s always changing, they’re around the potato plants, and even more so on the (still young) dill crop. as a matter of fact have just taken a pic of the ladybirds on the dill however, not likely to be spectacular shots as don’t have a macro lens.

some time ago a couple of times i have seen the leaf chewing kind of ladybird at other properties, both times on ivy. needless to say these ladybirds didn’t impact the rampant ivy in any way.

ladybirds in general like the tiny daisy like flowers of many vegetable/herb crops like dill, carrot, parsley, mustard etc, where they feed on the nectar of the flowers. given a chance though they will attend an aphid population on most plants, when the seasonal temperatures are warm enough for the ladybirds. aphids are active even in cooler weather, at which time other control measures may be necessary. at other times one must control ants, which farm and protect aphids, in order to give ladybirds free access to the aphids. ladybirds overwinter as eggs or encased larvae on tree trunks and such. a couple of my gardening references suggest how to make winter homes for them.

sorry for the braindump like post…someone might find useful info there.

Reply Quote

Date: 11/11/2008 08:44:14
From: pepe
ID: 37463
Subject: re: Ladybirds

sorry for the braindump like post
—————-
braindump – chuckle – not heard that before – and braindumps welcome here anytime.

Reply Quote

Date: 11/11/2008 18:22:54
From: aquarium
ID: 37501
Subject: re: Ladybirds

i wish i knew how to write better prose. maybe i should read more fiction books. too tired to think at the moment. it’s hot and i’ve had little sleep. i was up before the break of dawn, and the few ladybirds were sleeping in the thick of the dill fronds.

Reply Quote

Date: 11/11/2008 19:09:26
From: orchid40
ID: 37506
Subject: re: Ladybirds

Yes, I saw the programme. very interesting too. I have seen quite a few in my garden but totally forgot about getting photos :(
BTW as far as I remember the bad ones are brown and hairy.

Reply Quote

Date: 12/11/2008 08:51:08
From: pepe
ID: 37522
Subject: re: Ladybirds

orchid40 said:


BTW as far as I remember the bad ones are brown and hairy.

typical – i guess the ones in suits and ties are the good guys. LOL
nice to have you back OC

Reply Quote

Date: 12/11/2008 10:45:13
From: orchid40
ID: 37533
Subject: re: Ladybirds

pepe said:


orchid40 said:

BTW as far as I remember the bad ones are brown and hairy.

typical – i guess the ones in suits and ties are the good guys. LOL
nice to have you back OC

LOL very good Pepe!

Reply Quote