More photos of my ladybug jamboree
Click on the photos to see BIG ladybugs!
The ladybugs arrive from aphid-infested wheat fields in Texas and Oklahoma, fat, happy, engorged on farmers' pests. They congregate in the high-lying areas of my town, in the places high above the Great Plains. They visit for the summer, roll in the deep leaves of my agave, the spines of my western grass. They hibernate here, find warm holes in the ground, dark corners of my garden shed.
Then, in the wild winds of spring, they lift their wings, let the breeze carry them back to the calling aphid wheat fields. Ladybugs don't navigate well. They can fly short distances, jump from one branch to another. They need the winds of Northeast New Mexico to carry them home to their breeding grounds.
I love my ladybugs.
Wowza! That is just absolutely amazing. Does this happen every year? Like the butterflies congregating in coastal California eucalyptus groves? How widespread is it throughout your town? Just your backyard?? Incredible!
Posted by: Carroll | July 08, 2007 at 08:21 PM
C - I just answered your questions - refresh and read again!
:)
(Sorry, I had to move to moderated comments for a little while.)
Posted by: Birdie | July 08, 2007 at 08:27 PM
are you sure those are lady bugs? they don't look very lady like to me .
d.
Posted by: didi | July 09, 2007 at 05:18 AM
I've always been fond of ladybugs. Thanks for sharing your pics, and the info.
Posted by: Jonah | July 09, 2007 at 05:43 AM
So amazing and unexpected!! Gary, my hubby, would be drooling over that sight. We love ladybugs around here, because of all the aphids and such that they eat up. That's really pretty, decorating the yucca like that!
Posted by: Wandering Willow | July 09, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Here's a professional artists' rendering of the sign on your back gate: http://offtype.net/image_879132647404.gif.html
Posted by: Wandering Willow | July 09, 2007 at 09:29 AM
My background makes me call those Ladybird Beetles... (I am reminded of the Ladybug in Pixar's "A Bugs Life"... HE was great!)
Sounds like a good summer in LVNM so far!
Posted by: Stever | July 09, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Okay, this is gross: Sissy the dog has taken up EATING ladybugs as a new hobby. Ick.
Posted by: Birdie | July 10, 2007 at 08:09 AM
i love lady bugs, but those pix are kind of creeping me out.
Posted by: barbie_2_be@yahoo.com | July 11, 2007 at 10:20 AM
I tell ya, Bonnie is the Art Wedgie Empress!! I'm going to showcase your talent, girl!!!
Barbie, they ARE kinda creepy crawly! But I still love them.
Posted by: Birdie | July 11, 2007 at 11:13 AM