The world of bugs is wonderful, frightening and surprising. Hundreds of species of insects, including bees, butterflies and our other friends from José – Fly Reporter, are endangered.

Over 400 species of insects are threatened with extinction according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Threats to biodiversity – the variety of species and their habitats – include habitat destruction, over-exploitation or development and pollution, explains the organisation.

Their habitat – their homes – is disappearing to make room for humans and their activities. Pesticides and pollution are poisoning them. Yet we need our insects and we need to know more about them. Find out why and more about how they really live in our bug briefs.

The labour of Ladybugs

Ladybugs probably received their name in the Middle Ages when farmers prayed to Mary to save them from an infestation of pests into their fields. Ladybugs arrived and ate away the insects that were devouring the crops.

Ladybugs have voracious appetites and eat up common garden pests. Some farmers and gardeners today use ladybugs instead of pesticides to keep their fields free from pests like mites and aphids. But of course they might fly away. So farmers have to make sure to keep plenty of marigolds and nasturtiums around which encourage the ladybugs to stay put.

More next week...