Techniques for monitoring ladybirds
Ladybirds occur in many habitats throughout the UK from gardens
to wilder locations. The abundance and bright colours of some of the more common
species of ladybird make them very easy to spot even by a casual observer.
However, not all species are seen so easily and more rigorous sampling techniques
are essential to thoroughly assess the different ladybirds found in a specific area.
Using a beating tray
Searching by Eye
A ladybird hunt can begin by simply turning over leaves, sifting through leaf litter
and looking in crevices in bark or buildings. All observations should be recorded
preferably on one of our
recording cards.
Beating
Beating trays can be purchased from suppliers of ecological or entomological equipment
but alternatively an upturned umbrella can serve the same purpose.
Using a sweep net
Sweeping
A sweep net can be used for searching meadows, grasses, heathland
or other low growing vegetation types. A sweep net is comprised of a white fabric
bag held open by a stout ring attached to a handle. The sweep net is best used by
walking slowly and sweeping from side to side. Considerable coverage of an area
can be made quite quickly using this method.
Sweep nets can be purchased from suppliers of ecological or entomological equipment
but they can also be made cheaply. A metal circle of 40 cm diameter should be constructed
(using three pieces of thick wire bent into a circle with the ends twisted together)
and the twisted ends of the circle should be pushed into the end of dowelling (1
metre long and 2.5 cm diameter). The bag (45 to 60 cm deep) can be made using strong
white fabric with a hem of sufficient width to thread the metal hoop through.
Other useful equipment
Containers for collecting ladybirds (any solid container with a secure lid can be
used but plastic containers produce less condensation, which can kill ladybirds,
than glass containers. Remember to keep containers with ladybirds in out of direct
sunlight because this will rapidly kill ladybirds)
- Soft paintbrush (particularly useful for handling the more fragile larval
stages)
- Hand lens (at least x 10)
- Field guide: Majerus, M. and Kearns , P. (1989) Ladybirds. Richmond Publishing.