Ladybugs a non-native species

In response to the article "Ladybugs infest, annoy campus" (Nov. 18), I wanted to comment on the interesting biology of the Ladybug (Ladybird Beetle). As noted in the article, the species that is the cause of infestation is both an accidentally and intentionally introduced one-the multicolored Asian lady beetle. As many of us have experienced, they flock late each fall to our tall and lightly-colored buildings and houses, and interestingly, there is a potential biological explanation for this behavior. In their original habitat of Japan, annually they flock en masse to the light-colored cliffs and rocky outcrops in order to winter. It is likely that we will continue to experience each year a reminder of the costs (despite the benefits) of introducing foreign species into our ecosystems.

Chris Paul

Trinity '05

Staff

Nicholas School for the Environment