High temperatures bringing loads of ladybirds, say experts

Warmer temperatures are behind an increase in the number of ladybirds this year, says ladybird expert Professor Helen Roy.

Professor Hoy says "very high numbers" have been seen because the warm weather has increased the number of aphids, which ladybirds feed on.

A group of ladybirds are known as a 'loveliness', and Tim Coulson, professor of zoology and head of biology at the University of Oxford, said we should "learn to love" these little bugs.

"They are effective predators of aphids, which can be a major pest of many plant species," he said.

What do you think? Have you spotted many ladybirds around this year? Let us know in the comments.

A cricket match was paused at Lord's Cricket Ground earlier in July because of the number of flying ants and ladybirds that had invaded the pitch

Earlier in July, these little ladybirds caused a lot of disruption at a cricket match at Lord's Cricket Ground.

The match between India and England was paused while swarms of ladybirds and flying ants invaded the pitch.

But Professor Coulson said the arrival of extra numbers of ladybirds shouldn't be seen as a bad thing.

"A swarm of ladybirds in a cricket game, even against India, should remind people of the role that predators play in keeping the ecology of Earth in a healthy state," he said.

Ladybird expert Professor Roy, from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, says there are a number of ways you can help look after ladybirds.

"If people want to help insects and other wildlife in this weather they can leave shallow dishes with a little water for them," she said.

"Also, we encourage people to leave the aphids in their garden on roses and other plants so there is plenty of food for ladybirds."