Ladybugs are highly visible throughout Saskatchewan this month before going into hibernation, experts report.
Georgiana Antochi-Crihan, the City of Saskatoon’s entomologist, shared insights with Saskatoon Morning host Candice Lipski, mentioning the current surge in ladybug numbers. She emphasized that understanding the ladybug boom involves considering their food sources.
Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and other pests. While Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services for the City of Regina, didn’t observe a significant ladybug increase in Regina, she noted a high aphid population, which supports the ladybugs’ survival.
Vesna Fa from North Battleford also noticed a rise in aphids this summer, attracting ladybugs to her garden. Fa, the executive director of Midwest Food Resources, emphasized the importance of preserving ladybugs as beneficial insects.
Celebrating the role of ladybugs in the ecosystem, Candace Savage, chair of Wild About Saskatoon, highlighted the diversity of ladybug species in the province, including native and introduced varieties like the seven-spotted lady beetle.
As ladybugs prepare for hibernation, Thompson explained that their increased presence in Regina is due to seeking warmth for winter. Antochi-Crihan mentioned ladybugs’ ability to survive freezing temperatures through internal compounds, such as antifreezing agents.
Anticipated to reemerge in significant numbers next spring post-hibernation, ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity.