Newcastle’s ladybird swarm explained: why thousands have appeared across the city

Key points

• Thousands of spotted ladybirds have appeared across Newcastle in recent weeks, drawing attention from residents on washing lines, picnic tables and beaches. Australian Museum entomologist Chris Reid identifies them as transverse ladybirds, a native species found across Australia.
• He suspects warm, wet winter conditions inland pushed them east, carrying bogong moths with them. Reid says the ladybirds eat crop pests such as aphids, so they are good for gardens.
• He adds that they are unlikely to stay long.