Help scientists by observing ladybugs and fireflies in your area!

[bugmankeith]

That's right, now you can actually help scientists just by observing and possibly photographing ladybugs and fireflies in your area! Fun and so easy kids can do it. I'm going to be doing it, and i;m sure a lot of you will find it fun too!

Photograph, observe, and submit ladybug photos from your area, this will help scientists observe how native species are competing with invasive ladybug species. http://treadwell.cce.cornell.edu/ladybeetles/

Observe fireflies in your area, to see if pesticides and man-made lights may be affecting them in your area. https://www.mos.org/fireflywatch/about_firefly_watch

 

[burmish101]

Strange I havent noticed fireflies in my area for years, they used to be very abundant when I was a kid. I remember everyone using them to make themselves living glowsticks back then. You used to be able to go outside and see a bunch of radioactive children after dark, and the townspeople have gotten used to that exposure!

 

[bugmankeith]

I hope more of you will do this and look for ladybugs and fireflies. You already look for insects anyway cause well that's what we do here and it's fun, lol.

Hopefully you'll also do it because you care. If your a Science Teacher perhaps even your students may find this fun!

 

[bugmankeith]

Here are the 3 steps on how to help the ladybugs.

Step 1- What you can do is go to this Field Guide on identifying different ladybug species, it will help you know what species are by you. http://treadwell.cce.cornell.edu/ladybeetles/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/ladybugguide11.pdf

(scientists are looking to hopefully find the nine-spotted ladybug living in some states!)

Step 2-Take a photo of the ladybug- tips on how to here- http://treadwell.cce.cornell.edu/ladybeetles/?page_id=25

Step 3-After you photograph the ladybug, please release it! Then go here and fill out information about your area,temp, etc, and be sure to upload the photos of your ladybugs before you submit the form! That's all you need to do! http://www.lostladybug.org.php5-10.websitetestlink.com/index.php

 

[spiderfield]

Interesting project...I will definitely try and contribute. Though we don't get any fireflies in my area, there are a lot of ladybugs in a nearby preserve. I will bring my camera out for a go next time!

 

[bugmankeith]

I just found my 1st ladybug today, a twice stabbed lady beetle. It was so small i'm surprised I was able to see it! I entered it on their online database.