Churchyard Heroes

The ladybird, with its stylish and cheerful polka dot outfit, holds a special place in our hearts. And with good reason, as Harriet Carty from Caring for God’s Acre, explains

Few other insects, apart from perhaps the butterfly, evoke as many positive emotions and superstitions as the ladybird. Many cultures believe that ladybirds are a symbol of good luck and new beginnings. In fact, the belief that ladybirds are associated with positive qualities is nearly universal – from Slavic, European, and Asian cultures to Native Americans.

There are 46 different species of ladybirds in the UK and about 5,000 worldwide. While some sport the classic red with black spots, others come in shades of yellow, orange, or even black with red spots.

Churchyards and cemeteries can be great place for ladybirds as they tend to be free of insecticides and full of food. Many of them hatch from pupae in August or September so look out for a new generation of adults feeding up ready to overwinter. Ladybirds are voracious predators of aphids and other garden (and churchyard!) bugs, serving as natural pest-control agents and helping to keep plants healthy. A single ladybird can devour up to 5,000 aphids and other plant-eating pests in its lifetime, making them invaluable allies to gardeners, farmers and church wardens alike.

There are lots of places where they can find a safe place to hibernate, often in large clusters where they remain inactive until about March when they emerge to feed and breed. Monuments including chest tombs, gaps made by tree roots, wood piles, spaces beneath flaking bark, leaf litter, tussocky grass and drystone walls are full of potential places to spend the winter.

With their rounded bodies and distinctive markings, ladybirds are easily recognisable. If you see a ladybird, take a photo, count its spots and make a note of both spot and background colours. The spot number indicates which species it is and not, as some people believe, how old it is. Please let us know what you find in your local churchyard or cemetery and enjoy hunting for these iconic creatures.