Winter Hibernating Ladybugs and Where to see them

If you haven't seen my daughter's video about winter-hibernating ladybugs, which will give you some background information about ladybugs, then I highly suggest watching the Natural Nature Naturalists Channel here.

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are a type of beetle that are popular for their brightly colored, spotted appearance and for their ability to eat large quantities of plant-destroying insects such as aphids and mites. While many species of ladybugs are active in the warmer months, some species, like the multicolored Asian lady beetle, hibernate during the winter months when the aphids disappear. It is quite a common sight in Northern California.Between October and February/March, the ladybugs from the Bay Area settle down in many areas in the East Bay Hills to hibernate. We are so lucky to have access to many trails to marvel at these amazing beetles!

Ladybug huddles serve a couple of purposes. First, they provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Second, they allow ladybugs to mate and lay eggs in a concentrated area, increasing the chances of survival for their offspring. To prepare for hibernation, ladybugs will often consume large amounts of food to build up fat reserves that will sustain them throughout the winter. They will then seek out a protected location and enter a state of torpor, which is similar to hibernation. During torpor, the ladybug's metabolic rate slows down and its body temperature drops, allowing it to conserve energy. Ladybugs may remain in a state of torpor for several months until the weather warms up and food becomes more plentiful.

One of the most well-known areas is in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, where they can be found along the Stream Trail, a family-friendly 1.5 mile trail. While on the trail, you can see ladybugs all over on logs, bushes, fence posts, and on leaves. It's really something to see. We usually go every year, and as of end of Feb, you can still find them everywhere. So, if you are able to, I would highly suggest heading there as soon as you can to experience them before it's too late!

Uvas Canyon in Morgan Hill is another great place to see the ladybugs. When I first heard of it, I wasn't too excited as Morgan Hill didn't seem like the city that would have any lush greenery, let alone a heavenly place for kids with waterfalls, slugs, and the coolest ladybug clusters! There are varying trails you can take, from easy to difficult, but if you are looking for a family-friendly trail, I would highly recommend taking the waterfall loop nature trail that's about 1 mile. If you keep your eyes peeled and as soon as you spot just one ladybug, you'll likely hit the jackpot and won't stop seeing them! Hope you are able to make it out to these locations to spot the tail end of their winter hibernation.