Why the UK is seeing an increase in ladybirds as swarm stops play at Lord’s
‘That’s a first’: Ladybird swarm stops play at Lords
- Increased ladybird sightings across the UK are attributed by experts to high aphid populations and warm weather conditions.
- A swarm of ladybirds briefly interrupted the England versus India cricket test match at Lord's on Thursday, causing a pause in play. England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope said: “That’s a first that the crowd have got that today.”
- Ecologists, including Professor Helen Roy, confirm that many aphid-feeding ladybird species are appearing in high numbers this year due to abundant food and heat.
- Experts like Professor Tim Coulson encourage the public to appreciate ladybirds, highlighting their crucial role as natural predators that control aphid populations.
- Dr Peter Brown noted that the last significant ladybird boom year was during the hot summer of 1976, and the current increase should be viewed positively.