THE SEASON

LOOK OUT FOR

Ladybirds

ho doesn’t still get a rush of childlike joy when a ladybird lands on them? With their smart polka dots (or sometimes stripes) and bright colour scheme, these loveable beetles begin to emerge from their overwintering spots in April to take to the warm air and find a mate. There are around 26 recognisable species in the UK, although the most common by far are the two-spot, the seven-spot and the non-native harlequin, which is thriving but may be muscling out indigenous ones. As well as being pretty, ladybirds are extremely useful in gardens – the common species