Ladybugs Contribute to Species Diversity, According to New Study
In early fall, many areas of Canada and some parts of the US were overcome by an influx of ladybugs that were adhering themselves to the outside of buildings and even finding their way into homes. Although technically, the species that generated all of the infestation hype was actually a species of beetle, also known as Asian ladybird beetles that resemble those little red bugs we know as ladybugs. Infestation fears aside, ladybugs are once again making headlines and this time they’re proving that they do have a useful purpose.
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According to a study completed by the University of Montreal, ladybugs play a major role in the prosperity of another species - the wasp. Wasps actually lay their eggs on the bodies of ladybugs, requiring them to carry them until they hatch. While the larvae develops the ladybug host is actually paralyzed, but unlike in other species where this is a common practice, ladybugs are not killed while they incubate the wasp species that are on board.
Once the wasp larvae hatch, ladybugs can walk away unscathed and go on with their lives, after playing a major role in the prosperity of another species!
Via: Environmental News Network and National Post
Image Via: Flickr User ViaMoi with a Creative Commons License
