"They sleep through the winter through in what is known as diapause, a bit like insect hibernation. They slow their metabolism right down to minimise energy use. In the wild they chose places like under bark in a pile of leaves, anywhere providing a bit of shelter and away from things that might eat them. Sometimes they might come into houses looking for a safe haven."
"Did anyone else today get absolutely invaded by ladybirds? I turn round and within an hour there was just ladybirds absolutely everywhere. I love nature but this was just too much for me."
"My front door is covered in ladybirds. I am petrified of ladybirds, insects, spiders, worms, even flipping ants, and it took me 15 minutes to run in the door."
Hundreds of harlequin ladybirds have been appearing on British homes, covering windows, doors and rooms and alarming residents. The beetles seek sheltered, warm places to overwinter and enter diapause, a hibernation-like state in which they slow their metabolism to conserve energy. They are cluster-hibernators and release pheromones when they find suitable sites, which attracts additional beetles and can lead to repeated returns. People shared videos and photos on TikTok showing large numbers of ladybirds on houses, with many expressing fear or discomfort at the mass invasions.
Read at Mail Online
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