Looking for Ladybirds

In recent decades many species of insects, including ladybirds, have been shown to be in decline. There is considerable concern because many insects play extremely important roles in the functioning of ecosystems. Many ladybirds are predators and as such can control pest insects.  

Children learn how to identify different species of ladybirds and take part in scientific research, the UK Ladybird Survey. 

Learning Objective

• Use their observations to make a key to identify the different ladybirds
• Use secondary sources to answer questions about what different ladybirds eat.
• Talk about where they found ladybirds and why they think they found the ladybirds there
• Make records about the different species of ladybirds they found.

Children will learn:

• To observe similarities and differences between ladybird species
• To use observations of different ladybirds to make an identification key
• To develop their knowledge of food chains for the different species of ladybirds.
• To extend their knowledge of ladybirds and their habitats