Since its inception in 2000, the Lost Ladybug Project has involved hundreds of ladybug enthusiasts in surveying North American ladybug populations. Lady bugs, or lady beetles as they are more properly called, serve an important role as predators of pests like aphids, scale, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.
The Lost Ladybug Project is an easy and fun volunteer opportunity for citizen scientists of all ages. Children are especially encouraged to participate. Two young citizen scientists, Jilene (age 11) and Jonathon (age 10) Penhale, discovered the first nine-spotted ladybug seen in the eastern U.S. in 14 years!
Research Goal
"Across North America ladybug species distribution is changing. Over the past twenty years several native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare. During this same time ladybugs from other places have greatly increased both their numbers and range. Some ladybugs are simply found in new places. This is happening very quickly and we don’t know how, or why, or what impact it will have on ladybug diversity or the role that ladybugs play in keeping plant-feeding insect populations low. We're asking you to join us in finding out where all the ladybugs have gone so we can try to prevent more native species from becoming so rare."
– from the Lost Ladybug Project website
Project URL
http://www.lostladybug.orgHow You Can Participate/What You Will Do
Your mission is simple, really: find ladybugs and photograph them. You can choose to collect ladybugs in your own backyard, or head out to a local park or meadow. Because ladybugs don't like to stay still for pictures, you'll need to chill the ladybugs briefly in a cooler or freezer to slow them down. Then grab your camera and start shooting! Submit your digital images online using the Lost Ladybug Project's submission form, or mail print photos to the scientists. You'll also need to collect and submit some basic information about where you found the ladybugs.
What You Will Need to Know to Participate
Ideally, citizen scientists who volunteer on the Lost Ladybug Project will know a little bit about ladybugs. But don't be discouraged from participating if you don't, because you'll find everything you need to learn on the Lost Ladybug Project website. They've created several excellent resources for volunteers, including instructions for "How to Find, Collect, and Photograph Ladybugs," and a nice field guide to help you identify ladybug species.
Kid Friendly?
YesSkills Required
None, other than some amateur photography skills and the ability to find and catch ladybugs.Equipment Required
- Camera* – digital if possible, but not required
- Sweep net – for collecting in meadows or areas with soft vegetation
- Beat sheet – for collecting from shrubs or trees
- Jars or other containers* – to hold ladybugs while chilling them
- Freezer or cooler* – to chill ladybugs so they can be photographed
- Notebook – to record data about where you found the ladybugs
- Computer with internet access* – to submit data
Items marked with an asterisk (*) are necessary to participate.
