Organisms, Essay Example

Ladybirds, sometimes termed ladybugs, are coccinellids or small beetles about ¼ inch in length. They have a distinct reddish orange colour with black polka dot spots. They have the ability to fly by wings that are contained under an outer shield. They often appear in large numbers in the garden and are an extremely beneficial organism. They are predatory beetles that consume a large amount of aphids and other harmful insects or plant bugs. A single ladybird has been estimated to consume 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.  Organic farmers prefer the introduction of ladybirds to prevent the use of chemical sprays that can contain chemicals that may be absorbed by the plants and enter the food chain.

You can attract ladybirds into the garden by either allowing dandelions to grow or planting flowers that attract them like dill and angelica. The little beetle is one of the most attractive and harmless insects in the garden and poses no threat to humans. It has the tremendous benefit of destroying aphids and other harmful insects that damage our flowers and vegetable crops.” Because ladybugs eat many of the insects that cause damage to garden plants, a good population of the beetles will prevent the need for harmful pesticides” (Morgan, 2010).

The beetle depends upon pollen as an additional food source and it is possible to build up your own ladybird farm by planting those species that will encourage them to stick around. These include such species as dill, cilantro, yarrow, wild carrot, cosmos, geraniums and dandelions.  By cutting back on the use of chemical sprays and pesticides it will allow the aphid population to grow and draw in the ladybirds. They can also be obtained in packs from local nurseries for subsequent release in your garden.  They are best released in the evening after the plants have been watered.

Works Cited

Morgan, L. (2010, 5 5). What Are the Benefits of Ladybugs? Retrieved 11 2, 2010, from ehow: http://www.ehow.com/list_6463776_benefits-ladybugs_.html