A Luncheon for Ladybugs
Ladybugs are
plentiful in Wisconsin, but reside in other states as well. Considered by some to be a nuisance (most
notably in autumn when thousands are crawling and flying about) ladybugs are quite
effective at fighting garden pests.
Adult
ladybugs (Coccinella septempunctata),
along with immature ladybug larvae, have a voracious appetite for those evil
aphids which feed upon ornamental plantings, garden crops, and greenhouse
plants. A favorite houseplant of mine,
tropical hibiscus, can develop aphids, spider mites and fungus gnats… all possible
edibles for ladybugs!
These insects seem to congregate on the
hibiscus buds, or on the underside of each petal. The aphids and gnats
sometimes remain even after the blossom has closed.
During a
recent visit to a botanical garden greenhouse, I noticed the spent hibiscus
bloom shown here— covered in aphids and fungus gnats. The hundreds of insects clinging to the
underside of the petals could provide a luncheon for ladybugs… but I saw none.
The hibiscus blooms in this greenhouse were
stunning, but I felt the greenhouse needed some beneficial insects (ladybugs!)
to assist with keeping undesirable insect populations in check.
Ladybugs are always welcome in my home garden;
I hope you will welcome them too!
M. Lynn
Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
