Ladybug Spotters

In 2006, an 11 year-old child and a 10 year-old child found a rare nine-spotted ladybug near their home in Virginia. And it just so happened that they found this ladybug while they were in the company of parents of a Cornell University student who knew about the Lost Ladybug Project. What the children discovered was the first nine-spotted ladybug seen in the eastern United States in 14 years!

This was the beginning of a children's ladybug project that was funded by the National Science Foundation. Kids notice little things--like ladybugs! And that's why science and kids fit together so well!

The Lost Ladybug Project

The children's discovery confirmed that the nine-spotted ladybug species was not yet extinct.  Scientists felt that with more people looking, especially kids, more ladybug species could be found.

First, the scientists needed help in gathering baseline data for the almost 450 species of ladybugs that live in the United States. They are using this data, and data that kids keep gathering to see how the ladybug populations are changing. During the past 20 years, native species like the nine-spotted ladybug and the two-spotted ladybug have been disappearing. Scientists fear these extremely helpful brightly-colored little insects are on the brink of extinction. Ladybug spotters, like you, can let scientists know what types of ladybugs are being spotted and where they are being spotted. Can you help?

Why are ladybugs so loved?

Most ladybugs are predators. They eat other insects, most of which are considered pests to humans who like to grow plants for food or beauty. They are often called a ‘gardener’s best friend’.   

How can you, your family or your class become ladybug spotters?

Life Cycle of a Ladybug

How long do ladybugs live?

Why do ladybugs have spots?