Ladybugs have been spotted in abundance throughout Saskatchewan this month before they go into hibernation, experts say. According to Georgiana Antochi-Crihan, the City of Saskatoon’s entomologist, ladybugs go through cycles of population booms and declines, with the current period experiencing a surge in ladybug numbers due to ample food availability. These insects primarily feed on aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and other agricultural pests.
While Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services for the City of Regina, noted a significant aphid population rather than a major ladybug increase in Regina this year, Vesna Fa from North Battleford observed a similar abundance of aphids in her area during the summer. Fa, the executive director of Midwest Food Resources, emphasized the importance of preserving ladybugs as they are beneficial insects in controlling garden pests.
Candace Savage, chair of Wild About Saskatoon, highlighted the significance of celebrating the province’s diverse ladybug population for their environmental contributions. Among the 75 ladybug species in Saskatchewan, both native and introduced species exist, with the seven-spotted lady beetle being the most common introduced species recognizable by its namesake seven spots.
As ladybugs prepare for hibernation, they tend to gather in larger numbers in warm locations, getting ready to endure the winter with the help of internal antifreezing compounds they produce. Come spring, these resilient insects are expected to reemerge in significant numbers.
