Kids Can Help Solve the Mystery of the Bugs

20 years ago, researchers made a startling discovery; several native ladybugs* that were once very common are now rare to see. During this time, the number of ladybugs from other places has increased.

Why is the population of native ladybugs declining? Perhaps something is making the ladybugs sick? Or perhaps the ladybugs have simply moved to other places. It’s too early to know for sure. That is why scientists need your help!

Entomologist John Losey started the Lost Ladybug Project. (Entomologists are scientists who study bugs.)

To help, submit photographs of any ladybugs you find! Losey and his staff hope to have 100 photos from each state. Click to submit photos.

So parents, kids, families, grab that camera and start snapping! One photo at a time may lead to the solution of this great mystery and may help prevent more species from becoming so rare.

*Ladybugs are the little cute red bugs with black spots that you can see in a meadow or perhaps on a wildflower. However, now that summer is in session, ladybugs could be anywhere. They are considered “beneficial insects” because they eat the bugs that could do harm to crops. If the ladybugs were not around to do their job just right, the U.S. farmers would have to spend much more than they usually do on chemicals that kill the bad bugs.

Now kids can help solve the mystery of the missing ladybugs.