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Today we have placed 400, 5 spot ladybird larvae on roses, fruit bushes and a plum tree and young sprouting veg around the park and on our allotment.
We’ve released the ladybird larvae to control the aphids as they are major pests to the flora and fauna. The larvae immediately starts to eat the aphids and other pests. Aphids suck the sap out of the leaves and stems of our plants and this weakens them so they may not flower or produce fruit. Because aphids feed directly on the sap they are thought to be responsible for passing on viruses from plant to plant.
Over a period of 10-14 days the ladybird larvae pass through four developmental stages and moult after each. Then pupation occurs. This is a non-feeding stage when the larvae begins metamorphosis in a protective hardened case, during which the larva undergoes complete transformation. Out comes a beautiful ladybird!
Adult Ladybirds lay up to 50 yellow eggs per day under the leaves of plants and up to 1500 in their 1-2 year lifetime to continue the cycle of natural pest control. England is currently being invaded by the Harlequin ladybird which eats the 5 spot variety. So hopefully by us releasing these 400 5-spot ones we are helping to alleviate that problem a little.
Published: 17th November 2020
Please help make a difference to a homeless person this Christmas.
Published: 22nd October 2020
The Wildlife Trust’s Big Wild Walk event is taking place between 26th October and 1st November. Here’s how you can get involved.
Published: 17th September 2020
Men in Sheds is a workshop that supports older men who want to get together, share and learn new skills.