Have you ever thought about the hardworking ladybugs in our gardens? These brightly colored little beetles play a vital role in our ecosystem.
You may be surprised, but our gardens flourish thanks to these hardworking creatures with their shells. Ladybugs not only “decorate” our greenery with their vibrant colors, but also protect our leaves from damage caused by pests. Looking at these tiny creatures, it's hard to imagine how powerful they are.
Recent research led by Heidi Leer, assistant professor of biology at Lewis and Clark College, is investigating interactions between native and invasive ladybug species.
“For decades, researchers in my field have studied the diversity of these beneficial insects,” says Riehle. “We're often asked the question: 'Are the invasive species as beneficial as the native species?'”
Ecological Pest Control Services
The team also investigated how local vegetation and garden features affect other important predators, such as ground beetles, spiders and longhorn beetles.
“Like other urban green spaces, urban community gardens have the potential to act as biodiversity refuges, especially for small organisms such as arthropods, which in return can provide important ecosystem pest control services to these agroecosystems,” the researchers wrote.
They noted that a common question among urban gardeners is how to improve their gardens and surrounding areas for natural predators and related pest control services.
The mighty ladybug in our garden
Dating back to the Middle Ages, ladybugs were known as the “Virgin Mary beetle” and symbolized the Virgin Mary, to whom peasants prayed for good harvests.
Ladybugs are truly agricultural superheroes. They eat away at pests and are a great help to farmers and gardeners.
They help maintain the biodiversity of our ecosystems and are nature's pest controllers: these beetle superheroes keep herbivore populations in check, preventing ecosystems from becoming imbalanced by destructive pests.
Their sensitivity to environmental changes also makes ladybugs insightful bioindicators of climate change.
Ladybird survival in our garden
Lierre and her team are investigating the competition for resources that occurs among ladybugs.
“There's a lot of evidence that the presence of invasive species impacts native species,” Riehle says, “and we're looking closely at how these interactions are affected by climate change. Will climate change weaken or exacerbate the effects of invasive species on native species?”
Through the John S. Rogers Science Research Program, students Jackson Gunby and Marin Thorne joined Leah’s team to gain hands-on experience.
The researchers collected invasive ladybugs and aphids from local urban farms and gardens.
Observe small predators
Once back in the lab, the specimens are examined under a microscope and their behaviour is recorded by a video camera. By observing the beetles in their natural environment, the researchers are able to understand the behaviour of these tiny creatures.
“I still haven’t decided exactly what I want to do after I graduate from Lewis & Clark, but this experience has definitely helped me narrow my goals down,” Gunby said of her research experience.
So far, experiments have been conducted at room temperature, but future tests will be conducted under hotter conditions that mimic Portland's scorching summer temperatures.
Citizen science in ladybug research
Citizen science efforts play an important role in ladybug research by involving the public in data collection. By reporting sightings and collecting specimens, the public provides scientists with valuable information.
This collaboration will not only strengthen research activities but also raise awareness of biodiversity and ecosystem health among local communities.
Collaboration between scientists and citizens strengthens the connection between community consciousness and ecosystem protection. Everyone's participation leads to effective protection of our ecosystems.
A broader perspective
Before coming to Lewis and Clark College, Lierre studied ecological interactions in community gardens in Seattle, where her findings provided insight into how different groups of natural enemies are linked to different environmental variables.
Lierre is also co-director of the University of California's Urban Garden Ecology Project, which aims to better understand the ecology of urban green spaces.
“As global landscapes become increasingly urbanized, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the ecology of urban green spaces and their ecosystems,” Riehle noted.
A gardener's best friend, a researcher's favorite subject of study, and a vital cog in our ecosystem, ladybugs are truly amazing creatures.
The study is published in the journal Ecosphere.
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