Ladybug Tower

Visit to a local ladybug hibernation location in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains. Here, they've taken over part of a dead tree trunk to make a high rise tower.

In the background, if you turn up the volume, you can hear a local Western Grey Squirrel making territorial calls.

Technically, ladybugs don't hibernate, per se. The correct term is they enter diapause for a few months:
https://meadowia.com/do-ladybugs-hibernate/

This bunch started showing up at the end of October this year and they typically start dispersing in mid- to late-February when the days start to warm up. This seems to be a popular spot for these guys as I've seen them gather here every winter since I first ran across them in 2020.

#Shorts #ladybugs