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BBC - Breathing Places - Learn about ladybirds

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Get clued up on ladybirds and the threats they face.

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Ladybugs are generally known as cute garden bugs who are both harmless to humans and beneficial to gardens. Their classic red and black body pattern makes them the most endearing of insects and sometimes they are even seen as a sign of good luck. However, the color of their wings serves a purpose beyond appearance; it is also a warning to predators. Ladybugs are naturally skilled at both protecting gardens from aphids and protecting themselves from their predators.

Names of the Ladybug

The name ladybug, or ladybird, came from European farmers who were grateful for the beetles' destruction of aphids which were eating their crops. The farmers had prayed to the Virgin Mary for the safety of their crops and named their saviors "beetles of Our Lady" or ladybugs for short. While thought of as bugs, ladybugs are actually beetles. Ladybugs are formally known as coccinellidae which is a family of beetles. Within this family, there are several species of ladybugs which vary by diet and body pattern.

The most common ladybug species is the seven-spot ladybug (coccinella septempuntata). This species is what people think of when they think of ladybugs. The seven-spot ladybug has the classical red with black spots pattern and eats aphids as the main part of their diet. The diet of the ladybug varies by species but they are generally omnivores. The most popular choice of food for ladybugs are aphids, but they also eat other insects such as caterpillars, spider mites, and insect eggs and larvae. Because of their love of aphids, ladybugs usually have a good relationship with humans and keep gardens and crops pest-free. Ladybugs also eat plants, fungi, fruits and berries, nectar, and sap.

Protection Against Predators

Ladybugs are preyed upon by several animals and other insects. Animal predators of the ladybug include tree frogs and birds such as swallows and crows. Insects that eat ladybugs include dragonflies, ants, and parasitic wasps.

The main way that ladybugs protect themselves against predators is through the color of their body. The bright red or orange coloring mixed with black is an example of aposematic coloring which is a common warning sign in nature. This sign is used by other insects and animals such as frogs and alerts predators that they will be toxic if eaten. Ladybugs are not poisonous to humans but can be to certain animals because they produce toxic chemicals called alkaloids. Alkaloids are present in their blood and will harm anyone who eats the ladybug. A brighter color in a ladybug's back means they have higher levels of toxicity in their body. While not all ladybugs have spots, spots are another part of the aposematic coloring when they are present and will keep predators away. The number of spots varies by species, ranging from no spots at all to 24.

Another way ladybugs protect themselves is by playing dead. When laying on their backs, ladybugs will reflux bleed where they release a small amount of blood from their legs. The alkaloids in their blood produce an odor that is repellent to predators. Combined with clear warning colors and reflux bleeding, predators should know to steer clear of ladybugs and are in for a surprise if they don't.

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How Ladybugs Protect Themselves - BUGG Control Inc. Pest Control

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How Ladybugs Protect Themselves Ladybugs are generally known as cute garden bugs who are both harmless to humans and beneficial to gardens. Their classic red and black body pattern makes them the most endearing of insects and sometimes they are even seen as a sign of good luck.

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Why Beetles Are Awesome! | Slo Mo #38 | Earth Unplugged - YouTube

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Why Beetles Are Awesome! | Slo Mo #38 | Earth Unplugged

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Young People's Trust For the Environment

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Enemies and Self-Defence

Dolphins, sharks, moray and conger eels will all feed on octopuses. But the octopus has a number of clever ways to defend itself from attack.

The octopus swims head-first, and in times of danger can expel water through the end of its mantle, propelling it like a jet through the water. It can squeeze its body through tiny gaps to shake off predators.

Magically, it is able to 'disappear' in order to escape detection. It does this by changing the colour of its skin to blend perfectly with its surroundings. By concentrating and diluting the coloured pigments in its skin, it can even produce stripes or strange patterns which seem to change its shape.

Finally, it can squirt ink into the water to hide itself, in the same way that it does when hunting for food. At the same time it releases a substance which numbs the attacker's sense of smell, so that the octopus can escape undetected. If at any time the octopus damages a tentacle during a fight, it is able to quickly grow a new one!

Read More: Octopus and Humans

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Dolphins, sharks, moray and conger eels will all feed on octopuses. But the octopus has a number of clever ways to defend itself from attack. The octopus swims head-first, and in times of danger can expel water through the end of its mantle, propelling it like a jet through the water.

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DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

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Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

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How the Octopus Moves | ScienceTake | The New York Times - YouTube

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How the Octopus Moves | ScienceTake | The New York Times

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A life-long fascination with animals still leaves Ben in awe of the diversity and creativeness in nature. Whether they crawl, run, fly, swim
Do Beetles Fly?

Yes, the majority of beetles can fly. This attribute dramatically enhances their options in terms of habitat and food sources. Almost anywhere you can think of that has water, vegetative foliage, roots, or decaying plant matter is likely home to one type of beetle or another. Another advantage that flight enables is the ability to escape danger.

The minority that cannot fly is commonly known as ground beetles ( Carabidae). They account for around 40,000 species, representing about 8% of the worldwide beetle species population.

Why Don't All Beetles Fly?

Beetles are very adaptive insects, and Ground Beetles have evolved to take advantage of their environment. Consequently, some beetles have lost their back wings, and others have increased their dependency on using their "shields" as protective armor and are now unable to lift these front wings out of the way. The loss of flight as an escape means that these beetles have a vested interest in developing a strong exoskeleton that protects them from predators. A few beetles have no wings at all.

These non-flying beetles predominately prey on other insects. Although observations of these insects climbing plants to feed on caterpillars and aphids exist, they tend to feed at ground level.

Beetles' Dependency on Shield Armor

Ironclad beetles ( Zopherinae) are considered the most heavily armored of all beetles. At one time, they were able to fly but have evolved incredibly strengthened armor by increasing the protein levels within the elytra to such a degree that they now out-perform all other beetles when it comes to exoskeletal strength. The trade-off for this species is that they cannot fly; instead, they live under the bark on trees or under rocks.

Do Beetles Have Wings?

Most have two pairs of wings; the front pair (often called shields) are more robust than those at the back. These "shields" are constructed from a material called "chitin" which makes themsturdier and more rigid. Consequently, they are not that effective as wings but protect the "real" more delicate wings underneath them.

Beetle Flight Mechanisms

There are two forms of flight deployed by beetles. The primary factor determining which format a particular species of beetle uses being driven mainly by the beetle's size. The larger beetles tend to rely on direct flight, with smaller beetles depending on an indirect flight mechanism.

Direct flight is the term that describes beetles where their muscles are attached to wings.

Indirect flight describes beetles where their muscles make the thorax oscillate, moving the wings.

The Critical Aspects of Beetle Flight Mechanisms
Direct Flight:

The wing muscles insert directly at wing bases.

It gives a higher degree of flexibility in flight (making it easier to change direction).

Size: large beetles favor this mechanism.

Indirect Flight:

Muscles attach to the thorax rather than to the wings.

The thorax deforms in shape, moving the wings.

Size: small beetles favor this mechanism.

Aerodynamic Models Associated With Beetle Flight

There are essentially two aerodynamic models associated with beetle flight.

Leading Edge Vortex

The majority of beetles use this method, creating a spiraling leading edge vortex. I visualize this by thinking of an airplane wing's leading edge.

Clap and Fling

It is often referred to as the Weis-Fog Mechanism, named after the professor who pioneered insect flight studies.

This clap and fling mechanism describes how the wings clap together as they meet above the beetle's body before flinging apart. Flinging the wings apart causes air to be drawn in, creating a vortex over each wing.

Why Do Some Beetles Look So Clumsy When Flying?

This apparent clumsiness is likely due to some larger beetles keeping their legs dangling during flight. It can appear a cumbersome form of flight, as we are more used to seeing insects attempting to streamline their bodies by tucking their legs up close to their bodies.

Research suggests that far from being a disadvantage in flight, beetles with their legs dangling may help them maneuver more easily.

Creativity in the Skies

Beetles first took to the air 350 million years ago. They have adopted two main mechanisms to assist them with flight, the choice of which is primarily driven by size. This ability has undoubtedly assisted them in their incredible variety and spread around the world.

These fascinating creatures now number more than 300,000 different species worldwide, no other insect group can boast more. Hardly surprising then that beetles account for 20% of all types of living organisms. Beetles are prime examples of nature's creativity in conquering the skies.

References
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

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Have you ever wondered how a beetle flies? After all, these insects come in many varied shapes and sizes, and they look far from being built for effective flight. We usually see these creatures scurrying along the ground or rummaging among the undergrowth where they seem more at home.

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How Do Beetles Protect Themselves? In So Many Ways

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Beetles are tiny little animals that live in a great, big world. They deal with predators that want to make them the first item on the lunch menu and bigger creatures that can simply crush them while walking overhead. So how are these insects able to survive? With the help of many different adaptati…

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Worms protect themselves a few different ways. The main way a worm will keep itself safe it by burrowing into the ground. This is why when you look for worms you will usually need to dig.

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If you have a curious mind, you may probably have wondered so much about worms. Indeed, these animals aren't all cute and cuddly like our usual pets. However, they never run out of things to surprise us. For instance, it's interesting to know something about them, in particular, their movement.

Thus, you may ask: how do worms and earthworms move? Worms and earthworms move using two kinds of muscles, which are circular and longitudinal. They also use tiny bristles that we call setae. This tool helps worms to get a grip of the soil and move around. They also have light and dark receptors to help them navigate.

Worms are quite fascinating in the sense that it's fantastic to learn how they move around. Thus, in this article, you'll get the answers your curious minds have always asked.

How do earthworms and worms move?

As I said, an earthworm moves using two kinds of muscles, the circular and the longitudinal. Such muscles coordinate in movements so the worm can move in whatever direction it wants.

Aside from the muscles, worms also have tiny bristles known as setae. If there is a need to, worms can push the setae out of its body. Afterward, it gets a grip on the soil, enabling the worm to move forward.

Aside from the movement using the muscles and the setae, earthworms also have light and dark receptors. Such receptors act as a guide for worms to remain underground and come back down if they reach the surface.

Related: How Do Worms and Earthworms Dig?

What helps the earthworm move?

Earthworms may not have legs and eyes to move. However, they compensate for it with some exciting tools. Below are the factors that contribute to the movement of an earthworm.

As I said earlier, earthworms use two kinds of muscles to move. These are the circular and longitudinal muscles.

Whenever worms move, these two muscles move in a coordinated manner in any direction the earthworm would prefer.

It acts as an anchor to help the body move forward, gripping the soil for better and easier motion.

Light and dark receptors

The dark receptor would tell how deep the worm is from the surface. Worms need such receptors since they need to stay underground, or else they'll get exposed to the sun and dry out.

Last but not least, the skin is also a guide for the worm's movement. It senses vibrations, motions, and humidity. Thus, it allows worms to know if there are animals or if the area is moist enough to crawl.

Do worms and earthworms crawl or slither?

Whenever they do, they make themselves longer, enabling them to move forward. Worms would then squeeze up the longitudinal muscles to pull their rear up to the front.

If it gets complicated, the worm will pull out the setae to anchor and grip the soil for more effortless movement.

Worms navigate through a different way than us. Since they don't have eyes, they use other things as their navigation tool.

Among these are the light and dark receptors. Such receptors make them identify light and sets it as an alarm not to go to the surface for too long.

Aside from the receptors, they use their skin to monitor other data such as heat, moisture, and touch.

For this reason, worms can navigate with ease, even without the ability to see.

How do worms still move when cut?

The worms have a part called the 'saddle,' which is usually in the middle. If they get cut, the feature where the saddle is would likely survive.

The other part would wriggle due to the nerve endings. It would take a while before the nerve endings would stop.

It also rejects the belief of many that cutting worms in half would create two more worms.

Worms are exciting animals, and they can surprise us with fascinating facts. One of these is how they move around and navigate.

With their bodies, it can be a real wonder how they move. Worms don't have eyes, legs, or even bones, yet they do well to thrive, and it's all because they have exciting tools.

Worms may not have the organs we have to move. However, they compensate for many things. They may not be able to see, but they can sense light.

Worms may not have legs, but it has muscles and setae that coordinate to move. Lastly, it also has the skin to determine possible vibrations of animals around.

Image credits - Canva

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How Do Worms and Earthworms Move? (Interesting Facts) - AnimalFate

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If you have a curious mind, you may probably have wondered so much about worms. Indeed, these animals aren't all cute and cuddly like our usual pets. However, they never run out of things to surprise us. For instance, it's interesting to know something about them, in particular, their movement.

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How do composting worms move without legs? Worms move toward food and safety. They move away from light and danger. They dig tunnels. The best worms for composting are Red Wigglers. Super Reds are for composting or releasing into the soil. These ancient creatures have been moving on and through the earth for many millions of years. What method of propulsion do they use?

Anatomy

Earthworms are members of the phylum Annelida. The word is Latin, meaning "little rings." Worms have small rings around them called "segments." The segments are essential to worm movement.

Most of the segments have eight tiny bristles called "setae" around them. When extended, these bristles grip the soil. The worm can retract or extend the bristles at will.

Only the very first and last segments do not have setae. The head segment usually leads the way, but worms can move backward if they want. Food and soil go into the mouth in the head segment. Worm castings (poop) come out the last segment of the worm. Worm castings contain valuable nutrients and soil-friendly bacteria that enrich the soil.

Worms are invertebrates, literally meaning that they have no backbone. They have no bones at all, which helps them squeeze into tight spaces and around corners uninhibited. They make tunnels by eating soil and organic matter. As they move through the soil, they secrete slippery mucus from their skins. The mucus stabilizes the tunnels. Worm tunnels are crucial for bringing air, water, and nutrients deep into the soil.

How Composting Worms Move

Composting worms move by expanding and contracting muscles. They have circular muscles around each segment. Also, they have muscles along their length. Contracting the circular muscles makes the earthworm stretch out. Contracting the longitudinal muscles makes the worms shorter. An earthworm moves like this:

1. The worm reaches forward by contracting the circular muscles in the front part of its body. It becomes thinner and longer.

2. It grips the soil by extending its tiny bristles (setae) in the front of its body.

3. The worm contracts the longitudinal muscles. The earthworm gets wider and shorter, or it curves its body. This pulls the back part of the body forward. The worm has now moved its entire body forward.

4. It grips the ground using the setae on the back part of its body and repeats from Step 1.

How Worms Navigate

Worms have limited senses compared to ours. They do not have eyes, noses, or appendages. However, they have several ways of navigating their surroundings.

The worm's head has an organ called the "prostomium." This small lobe, located above the mouth, looks similar to a lip. The prostomium helps the worm feel its way around.

Their skin provides additional sensory data. Light-sensitive cells are distributed throughout its skin, especially at the ends of the worms. They can detect both the presence of light and its intensity. Worms prefer the dark, so they move away from light.

Worms have sensitive skin. Contaminants such as shredded bleached office paper irritate their skin. They can detect temperature. They try to find locations with enough air and moisture. If they get too wet or too dry, they can get sick or die. They can feel vibrations, too.

In the Bin

Snug in a composting bin, worms do what comes naturally. They use their muscles and setae to move around. They dig tunnels, making the bedding fluffy. And they excrete worm castings, providing fertilizer for your plants. When you open the bin and shine a light, worms dig down to get away. They naturally seek out comfy spots in the bin where there is food, enough moisture, and air. All you must do is provide a bin, bedding, kitchen scraps, and a safe location. Protect them from extreme cold and extreme heat, and they will work hard for you!

Uncle Jim's Worm Farm has been producing worms for more than 40 years. Check out our website for Red Wiggler Mix, Super Reds (European Night Crawlers), indoor composters, and supplies.

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How do composting worms move without legs? Worms move toward food and safety. They move away from light and danger. They dig tunnels. The best worms for composting are Red Wigglers. Super Reds are for composting or releasing into the soil. These ancient creatures have been moving on and through the earth for many millions of years.

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How do worms move?

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Exploring Invertebrates - How Do Earthworms Move