GREEN SCENE

WITH LYNNE ALLBUTT

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Acorns are in abundance this year

called an 'aggregation' - not dissimilar to 'aggravation', which is certainly what they caused for many bug-fearing people.

Ladybirds are 'cluster-hibernators', meaning they like to spend the winter cwtched up with lots of other ladybirds, rather than alone. And their version of hibernation is called 'diapause' - it's a great description and reminds me of a 'pause on life' for the winter months. Not a bad idea, I hasten to add.

As ladybirds need warmth and sunshine to generate enough energy to fly, they were making the most of the good weather last week to look for a good place to hibernate, or diapause.

Historically, they would have gathered in clusters in caves and hollow trees but have evolved to prefer loose-fitting window and door frames. Ladybirds are also ectothermic, which means they can't regulate their own body temperature and therefore are dependent on their environment for survival.