Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2009September26

This little Seven-spotted Ladybug caught my eye when I was on a walk in Confluence Park a week ago. "With approximately 35 species of Ladybug in Alberta, identifying the exact species is a bit more of a challenge. The Seven-spotted is one of our largest ladybird beetles, getting up to 7 mm long. It has seven round black spots on the elytra (modified front wings that protect the body). Immatures are rather like short caterpillars, and are dark grey with yellow spots ..... Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetles are now the most common ladybird beetle in Alberta and can be found in most habitats. These and other ladybird beetles are often encountered in large numbers in the fall when they are preparing to hibernate .... This species was originally introduced into North America from Europe in the 1950s .... The Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetle was brought in from Europe in the hope that it would help control populations of pests like aphids. It is doubtful that it has made any real difference, but what has happened is some of our native species have suffered a decline in populations since the Seven-spotted was introduced, perhaps because the Seven-spotted outcompetes them." From www.royalalbertamuseum.ca .