tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post1849537314363099939..comments2023-06-29T23:10:52.945-07:00Comments on Nature ID: convergent lady beetle ~ 02/10/14 ~ Stevens CreekKatie (Nature ID)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17730655720390625839noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-26342291161143055062014-02-17T16:30:14.567-08:002014-02-17T16:30:14.567-08:00Graeme, I love your expression OMGA. I believe th...Graeme, I love your expression OMGA. I believe the harlequin lady beetles and multicolored Asian lady beetles are different names for the same species, introduced here and across the pond: http://www.earthgate.ucsb.edu/mobile/events/department-news/1321/asian-ladybugs-invade-east-coast-homes/.Katie (Nature ID)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17730655720390625839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-15574276444993423292014-02-17T06:26:04.809-08:002014-02-17T06:26:04.809-08:00Oh my giddy aunt! That is truly amazing! I've ...Oh my giddy aunt! That is truly amazing! I've seen the occasional couple of dozen Harlequin Ladybirds roosted in the roof space of the old Tense Towers, but nothing on such a grand scale or out of doors. I bet you're still grinning at the sweet memory!Imperfect and Tensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07348507012722069785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-82493630778326432272014-02-15T06:31:57.256-08:002014-02-15T06:31:57.256-08:00Ya, Ken, I was surprised 2 of my UC Press books sa...Ya, Ken, I was surprised 2 of my UC Press books say "hibernate", written by university professors. We were incredibly lucky this day. It was so good to meet you. I hope we get together again.<br /><br />Gretchen and Jennifer, honestly, I hadn't given the ladybug purchase much thought before, since I've never done it. I just know it's common knowledge among entomologists that releasing lady beetles in your garden doesn't work for aphid control, because of their documented need for flight before settling in anywhere. Seeing this spectacle really hit home for me what's actually involved.<br /><br />John, I sent you an e-mail.Katie (Nature ID)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17730655720390625839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-92216358709082565572014-02-13T21:27:16.098-08:002014-02-13T21:27:16.098-08:00This most indeed would be an unforgettable sight t...This most indeed would be an unforgettable sight to behold. Lucky you. John @ Beans and I on the Loosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09185975793295220723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-42598238694331072012014-02-13T18:50:18.382-08:002014-02-13T18:50:18.382-08:00That is astounding!
And I didn't know about th...That is astounding!<br />And I didn't know about the problems with commonly available ladybugs - thank you for the heads-up.GretchenJoannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641677400029070452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-24677484202886741242014-02-13T17:59:27.374-08:002014-02-13T17:59:27.374-08:00I think diapause is the correct term, Katie. It...I think diapause is the correct term, Katie. It's my understanding that the convergent lady beetles do this every year to overwinter and conserve energy while their food - aphids - isn't available. Much like many insect blooms, including aphids, the rain and warmth of spring triggers their emergence. <br /><br />And I agree - this colony especially is quite a natural wonder. Not unlike the Monarch congregation spots. It was fun running into it with you.randomtruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8210757346121712556.post-31578473554397548822014-02-13T14:05:51.244-08:002014-02-13T14:05:51.244-08:00Holy Cow was my thought exactly! Amazing!!!
I sa...Holy Cow was my thought exactly! Amazing!!!<br /><br />I saw this same phenomena on the Palo Corona trail a few years ago and it was a sight to behold.<br /><br />I guess you could say I'm guilty as charged as I do sometimes buy them at Orchard. Jennifernoreply@blogger.com