© Loree Griffin Burns
Photographer Ellen Harasimowicz and I are in Ithaca, New York learning about The Lost Ladybug Project. Yesterday’s highlights included a visit to Dr. John Losey’s ladybug lab–complete with a peek in the aphid room–and a ladybug collecting trip.
Eric Denemark, a former student of Dr. Losey’s, brought Ellen and I to a nearby clover field and showed us how to sweep out ladybugs. That’s Eric up above, sharing ladybugs he found with Ellen. I got to try my hand at collecting too, but those rather funny images are on Ellen’s camera. Suffice to say that it is easy and enjoyable work, so long as you are okay with thigh-high clover fields and nets full of interesting creatures.
Ladybuggin’ tip of the day: when you are done sweeping, let your net sit open for a moment … that way bees and other stinging insects you may have swept IN can fly OUT. This is especially important if you plan to do this:
© Loree Griffin Burns
The weather here is threatening today’s plans, so please send sunny, ladybug friendly thoughts this way. If the rain holds off I’ll have more to share tomorrow.