Ecologist explains the invasion of ladybugs in Odesa

The large number of ladybugs, also known as "Ladybugs", in Odesa is explained by an increase in the population of the main food source of these insects - aphids.

This opinion was expressed by Vladyslav Mykhailenko, PhD in ecology.

"If the prey population increases, the predator population also increases, as we know from school. In nature, ladybugs do not have many enemies. Firstly, it is a bright insect, and a bright color generally signals that it is not edible and can even be poisonous, and secondly, in case of attack by a predator, a ladybug releases poisonous chemicals. So birds hardly eat them, and the only predators for them can be lizards, frogs, and spiders, and there are not many of them in the city to significantly affect the number of ladybugs," the scientist emphasized.

So, if the increase in the number of ladybugs was not caused by the decrease in their natural enemies, then an increase in the amount of food should have had an impact. According to Vladyslav Mykhailenko, due to climate change, the conditions for aphid reproduction have become more favorable and there are a lot of them, especially on agricultural land. The fact is that aphids overwinter in the form of eggs attached to plants, and warm winters help to ensure that aphid eggs die less.

"We are at a classic moment when the prey population increases and this leads to an increase in the predator population. When there are no more aphids, there will be fewer ladybugs," the ecologist explained.

He also emphasized that unlike aphids, which feed on plants and cause damage to agricultural land, ladybugs, which eat aphids, are not pests and the only harm they cause is some discomfort.

It should be noted that the last time such an increase in the population of ladybugs in Odesa region was observed was in the summer of 2021. Then entomologists noted that such an invasion is possible once every 5-6 years.

Кирило Бойко