Exotic Animal Newsflash:
Scientists have finally discovered where the heck those basking sharks go during the winter months.

Previously thought to be a cold water fish, this shark will migrate from New England in the Western Atlantic all the way down to the Bahamas!

They even recorded one of the sharks they tracked hanging out for 1 month at the mouth of the Amazon River.

Animals are just full of surprises, arent’ they?

What was most intriguing about basking sharks is that no one has ever seen a baby or a pregnant female or a basking shark giving birth.

They measure up to 35 m long and are the 2nd largest fish in the world behind the whale shark.

They are slow moving and generally harmless in nature. Even though they’re sharks, this species is a filter feeder.

They are labeled a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Cetorhinidae
Genus: Cetorhinus
Species: C. maximus

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I hope you enjoyed this Fish post on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Exotic Animal Lover Updates are Just 1 Click Away!

Technorati Tags: basking shark, sharks, shark, fish, marine animals, North American animals, South American animals, ocean animals

Basking Shark Mystery Migration Solved is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Scientific Classification:

* There are also 7 subspecies of kinkajou.

The Kinkajou is also known as the Honey Bear and is an arboreal animal native to Central and South America.

They are not monkeys or ferrets…In fact, they are related to the raccoon, coati and ringtail to name a few.

Kinkajous only weight between 4-7 lbs and have a long, curled tail, which is prehensile. This means that it can use it as a “limb” or 5th hand of sorts and can hang on to branches, etc with it.

Although they have a grey undercoat, their outer coat is that of a golden brown or brownish grey and live to be about 23 years old.

Again, this is another animal classified as a carnivore, except it’s diet is more omnivorous than anything else. They enjoy many fruits, nectar and sometimes whole flowers, honey (thus, why they call them the Honey Bear), some vegetables, and are known to also eat birds eggs and insects, not to mention the occasional bird too.

Their family units consist of a small group that stays together at night and grooms one another. Sometimes foraging in small groups, but more often than not solitary for this activity, kinkajous will also associate with olingos, although not a closely related species.

Kinkajous “speak” to eachother most often with loud shreeks or shrills sounding like a woman screaming.

They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep all day and are out foraging, etc during the night. They avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and are known to have poor vision and not be able to differentiate between colors.

Conservation Status:
The Kinkajou is an Endangered Species of animal!

Why?
It has been over-hunted, especially for it’s fur, and has lost it’s habitat to boot!

* For more information on how to save kinkajous, check out the Kinkajou Association.

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I hope you found this Endangered Animal interesting on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Get your kids involved in learning the importance of the world’s most precious resource…our animals! They are who will save them in the future! Check out this cute book:

Peeper The Kinkajou $7.50

Technorati Tags: kinkajou, mammal, South American animal, Central American animal, endangered animal, endangered species

What in the World is a Kinkajou? is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

The Harpy Eagle is a carnivorous raptor. In fact, it’s the largest and most powerful one found in the Americas.

This eagle particular inhabits tropical lowland forests, where it stays in the upper canopy, presumably for a better viewpoint for prey.

Males and females having the same coloration, they are slate black on the back and back of wings, and white underneath including their bellies. Their head is a pale gray color.

Although the same in color, males are almost half the size of the female.

They boast talons up to 5 inches long – WOW! Their wingspan can reach up to 6′7″…that’s unbelievable!

They are known to attack arboreal species of mammals, such as sloths and monkeys, not to mention other large birds, such as macaws.

Conservation Status:
The Harpy Eagle is a species that is Near Threatened.

Why?
Mostly because of hunting and logging. This eagle is mostly only found in remote parts of the Amazonian Basin. In some more recent news, it has tentatively returned to Belize.

For more information on how to Help Save Harpy Eagles, check out The Peregrine Fund’s Harpy Eagle Conservation Effort and be sure to check out the How You Can Help section!

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I hope you found this Bird post information on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. You may not have a Harpy Eagle in your backyard anytime soon, but you can attract other birds by feeding them. Find out how: Click Here!

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Harpy Eagle Near Threatened is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

They are those “sucker fish”.

Photo left: Trinidad (Common) Pleco

Plecos prefer warmer water and are pretty self-sufficient.

They eat the green algae in the tank and excess food off the bottom that the other fish can’t or don’t.

They clean when you don’t want to.

One of the girls at the pet store loved them, one hated them.

Why?
Well, the girl that loved them loved them for all the reasons I mentioned above plus they are laid back fish…They’ll find a small crevice or spot to hide during daylight and chill out. Then, they’ll come out at night and clean/eat, but keep to themselves.

The girl that hated them found that they grow very quickly and “when they poop, the pieces are long and stringy that float around the tank”.

The first girl never felt she had this problem with her plecos at home.

Personally, I went home to ponder these dilemmas, as I was preparing for a trip away from home for 1.5 weeks.

What Did I Do?
I got 1 very small pleco, the smallest one I could find, to assist with the cleaning of the tank while I was away.

Apparently, my mother says the tank looks immaculate…although I only have 1 goldfish in the 10 gallon tank with it.

* By The Way: The pleco did a wonderful job…no algae in site 1.5 weeks later! We named him Mr. Klean – Yes, another “K” name…LOL!

Loaches, also bottom feeders, are an option, but seem to bother the other fish in the tank, from my observations…They never stop moving around. They are “Old World” freshwater fish coming from riverine environments throughout Morocco and Eurasia.

Photo right: Batik Loach/Zodiac Loach

Let me know if you have a pleco or loach, and what you think about them as cleaners?

***

I hope you enjoyed this Fish post on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. There are a number of different plecos available, so you’re not just stuck with the common variety at every pet store…Check out this Tiger Pleco:

Tiger Pleco – L002 The Tiger Pleco is a suckermouth catfish that has an olive to tan body with black diagonal stripes. The scales are tough and armor-like, and the dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp rays or spines. Males develop hairlike growths on the pectoral fin rays. Specimens that display less distinct coloration are sometimes called L-074. They are also often called Peckoltia vermiculata, although this is incorrect. Tiger plecos are small loricarids that are well suited for both smaller and larger aquariums. They are peaceful and can be kept with most community species. Their main diet consists of wood, so having driftwood in the tank is essential. They will also eat some algae as well as sinking pellets. Tiger plecos are nocturnal and will require places to rest during the day. Provide hiding places using items such as driftwood and rocks. These fish are relatively hardy as long as good water quality is maintained. $14.99

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What Is A Pleco? is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Just don’t fall into the trap of buying a bunny for your toddler or child at Easter time, when you are all “caught up in the moment”, just to have them lose interest and you having to take over the duties of care for your new furry friend.

Or worse, be in need of an outlet to get rid of the rabbit after you realize you don’t have time for one…

However, if you do have time and are willing, rabbits make wonderful, loving pets! They seem to get cuter to you by the day!

There are so many types of domesticated rabbit, including French lop-eared rabbits, dwarf rabbits, giant rabbits, and the list goes on and on…

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genera:
Pentalagus
Bunolagus
Nesolagus
Romerolagus
Brachylagus
Sylvilagus
Oryctolagus
Poelagus

Conservation Status:
Almost 1/2 of the
world’s rabbit species are in danger of extinction, often being the most vulnerable amongst the mammals.

Photo left: European rabbit

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards ;D

P.S. If you do decide to adopt a Bunny, this is your Essential Guide For Rabbit Owners: How To Train, Care And Build Trust With Your Pet Rabbit In 30 Days Or Less:

How to Train & Care for your Rabbit

Technorati Tags: rabbit, bunny, Easter bunny, bunnies, hares, lop eared rabbit, dwarf rabbit, giant rabbit, domesticated animal, pets, exotic pets, mammal, herbivore

Don’t Get Caught in the Easter Bunny Trap! is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Many of the world’s most endangered animals also hail from the Amazon…

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Amazon Rainforest Animals by Lucien Oliveira

Most of the world’s rainforests are located in Central and South America, West and Central Africa, and Southeast Asia. They are very wet areas near the equator that give true meaning to the expression “world of abundance”, an expression that reflects on the variety of rainforest animals. Brazil holds 30% of all tropical rainforests that remain on Earth, and they are represented by Amazonia.

The Amazon rainforest animals are part of a big ecosystem sustained by an incredible amount of trees and other plants. Almost every inch is covered with vegetation. Amazonia has 427 species of mammals, 1294 species of birds, 378 of reptiles, 427 amphibians, and 3,000 fish. Among the mammals we can find the jaguar, an incredibly agile animal with a powerful bite, giant otters, the pink dolphin, also called “boto” by the natives, which is one of the three species of dolphins on Earth that live on freshwater, sloths (large and slow moving animals), armadillos, the peculiar tamandua, or anteater, tapirs, which are active mostly at night, manatees – the Amazon species is exclusively vegetarian and also one of the three manatee species in the world, etc. However, the majority of mammals are rodents and bats.

Among the birds, there is the harpy eagle, a great hunter that eats practically all species of mammals found in the Amazon rainforest, even monkeys. Other examples are the toucan, a colorful bird that is the symbol of Amazonia, the hoatzin, a unique bird with a small head and a long neck, hummingbirds, which are quite small and very hyperactive, and many other colorful, pretty birds. Among the reptiles, we can find the famous boa, which has a unique way of killing their prey: they wrap around the prey suffocating it and crashing its bones in order to be able to swallow it as a whole. Crocodiles, alligators, and turtles are also present in the rainforest.

The amphibians are mainly toads, frogs, and tree frogs. For example, the dart poison frog and the giant cane toad, which has got a strong poison that is enough to kill small animals. Among the fish, there is the famous red piranha, a carnivore fish that is known for its voracious appetite, the feared electric eel, and the Pirarucu, which is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. This amazing fish can weigh up to 150 kg.

These are the most famous rainforest animals in Amazonia, but, crawling around, there are an immense amount of insects. You can find cockroaches as big as the palm of your hand, Rhinoceros beetles and their peculiar horn, Morpho butterflies with their astonishing deep blue wings, and also termites and ants, such as the leaf-cutter ant with its massive, strong jaw. No matter where you look, you will find enchanting and interesting species. After all, that is what rainforests represent: a universe of blooming life.

Lucien Oliveira is a freelance writer with strong interest nature, wildlife and animals. You can find more about wildlife, animals and geographic national. Read more about wildlife portraits.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards ;D

P.S. To learn more about the Amazonian Rain Forest, check out this informative book:

Discovering the Amazon Rain Forest Discovering the Amazon Rainforest

Technorati Tags: geographic national, wildlife portraits, endangered animals, animal endangered, rainforest animals, jaguar, harpy eagle, rhinoceros beetle, poison dart frog

Majestic Animals of the Amazonian Rainforest is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Birds are amazing companions when adopted thoughtfully…

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Parrots For Sale by Low Jeremy -

It is clear some people want to have parrot as pet. If you are that person, you may be anxious about getting the finest one for your personal satisfaction, care and business. Parrots are for sale all around, and selling such pet is 100% different from selling home commodities. It will need time and dedication.

This will be a guide if you want know what species you would prefer. Here are the descriptions of selected parrots perfect for sale:

1. LOVEBIRDS – very adorable little small breed from Africa, lovebirds can be tamed like common parrots except for the aggressiveness towards opposite sex, the male rubs the perch as a distinct sexual behavior, which is quite disturbing to some owners. They have to be housed in different cages. Generally, lovebirds are excellent in parenting their siblings and very good in breeding.

2. AFRICAN GREYS – More than vanity, this parrot specie is the best sound imitator from among the species. It doesn’t mean this parrot has to be on high sale just because of the talking qualities. Owners getting disappointed with non-talking African Grey specie often tends to neglect their pets afterwards.

3. COCKATIELS – Lovely because of the distinct pointed crown, this specie can learn tricks easily, very affectionate, and can live to a life span of 15 to 20 years given the proper care. The coating on its feather can cause allergies. Cockatiels have this distinct behavior when left in dark, which can cause self-injury.

4. SENEGAL PARROTS – Medium-sized specie good for apartments because of its more quiet behavior. Much adept in imitating sounds of surroundings than distinct speech of people. It is not recommended for outdoor and spacious free walks as it can fly farther and get lost.

5. PARROTLETS – Comes in tiny sizes, this specie have no problem with dark places, considered brave. The voice is quite small, best if you only tolerate chirping when bred in a small flat or room. Prone to accidents, they must be looked after all the time when out of the cage.

6. CANARIES – Specifically attributed to Canary Island, after Romans named it. Canaries have three types. Song Canaries are known for the distinctive voice and singing. Color Canaries have attractive and bright colors, making the collecting of several varieties popular to breeders. Canaries are territorial and not so sociable. From among the parrots, this species has the sweetest voice.

The sale of parrots worldwide happens silently. It comes with interest and passion, but believe it or not, thinking about the small world you can give to these lovely birds is a journey. Living with parrots is worth a quality life.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Pet Parrot & other useful information, please visit http://pet-parrot.articlekeep.com

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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A Lovebird is a beautiful token of love from one sweetheart to another…but…always be a responsible bird owner…Many parrots have a long life span, so plan accordingly…
I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Add Happiness To Your Parrots Life And Less Hassle To Yours! Plus, Take Your Interaction With Your Parrot To The Next Level And Find All The Cool Stuff Your Parrot Loves! Check out this Great eBook here:

Happy Pet Bird eBook

Technorati Tags: parrots, pet parrots, birds, pet bird, types of birds, lovebirds, canary, budgie, parrotlets, Senegal parrots, cockatiels, grey parrot, African grey, exotic pets

Thinking of Giving a Lovebird To Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day? is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

At Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, they have been running a breeding program for this dangerously endangered bird in this area…

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: F. peregrinus

Conservation Status:
On a whole, the Peregrine Falcon is a species of least concern…However, in this area, their numbers have been slowly growing from an endangered state.

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Birds – The Peregrine Falcon by Michael Russell

The peregrine falcon is the best known falcon and most widespread in the world. However if you travel to North Dakota, you won’t see many and you will not find any at all in Antarctica.

This falcon was on the endangered species list back in 1970 because of a problem with egg shell thinning that was caused mainly by use of the pesticide DDT during the 1950s and 60s. It took biologists 20 years to figure out that the pesticide used to protect plants from insects was the problem affecting these birds and other animals. Small animals ate the plants contaminated with the pesticide, and when the peregrine falcon hunted those animals, the infected flesh poisoned them. The chemical even changed the behavior of peregrine falcons in that it made them stop caring for their young.

The federal government banned the use of DDT in the United States; however, the recovery process took a while because the chemical residue remained in the environment. Other countries which are home to peregrine falcons still use DDT, and that, along with trapping and shooting by poachers, still cause the bird’s population to decrease. Today the endangered list still includes the peregrine falcon, and they are gradually increasing in population.

The peregrine falcon is not a very large bird; it is about the size of a crow. It is identifiable by its dark blue to slate colored back and its white throat. It also has a black teardrop right under its eye, and small black sideburns.

Peregrine falcons hunt at dawn and dusk; they will prey on ducks, pigeons, other birds and small mammals. They search for their prey from the air, and when they spot something to eat, they attack, making a sharp loud territorial call. They will swoop down at an incredible speed, up to 200 miles per hour, which makes this the fastest creature on earth. When they target their prey falcons use their talons to strike a severe blow to the creature to eat on the spot or to carry away to their eyrie.

Peregrine falcons are normally cliff dwellers which build their nests far out of reach of people. However, you can find some in cities on top of high buildings. Researchers who study these birds help them with city nesting; they supply certain buildings with leaves and other materials which the falcons can use.

The peregrine falcon can be found all over the world. Just look out for a bird the size of a crow with dark sideburns, yellow legs and pointed wings when in flight. Hunting permitted with a camera only.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Birds
Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. For more information on saving the Peregrine Falcon, check out this wonderful book ($5.99):

Saving the Peregrine FalconCarolrhoda’s acclaimed Nature Watch series explores the life cycle of animals and plants through splendid full-color photographs and clear text. Includes glossary, index, and diagrams. Supports the national science education standards Unifying Concepts and Processes: Systems, Order, and Organization; Unifying Concepts and Processes: Form and Function; Life Science; and Science in Personal and Social Perspectives as outlined by the National Academics of Science and endorsed by the National Science Teachers Association.

Technorati Tags: bird, birds, falcon, peregrine falcon, Canadian animals, carnivore, North American animal, endangered species, South American animals, African animals, Asian animals, Australian animals, European animals

Peregrine Falcons – Making A Comeback is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Subfamily: Boinae
Genus: Eunectes
Species:
1. E. beniensis
2. E. deschauenseei
3. E. murinus
4. E. notaeus

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Anaconda Snakes Today- Updating News
By Michael Gutemberg

Anaconda snakes, for sure, conjures up an image of a gigantic, black, serpentine creature slithering in mud and constricting a hapless creature to death. You are not to be blamed for this. Instead, blame those numerous movie directors and novelists who, thanks to their imagination or lack of it, portrayed these docile creatures as vileness epitomized.

Urban legends and rumors are awash with horror tales of anaconda snakes gobbling up innocent kids, regurgitating and re-swallowing their victims thereby giving them a slow and painful death and so on and so forth. So much for the creativity of human brain! Ask a biologist and you will get a drastically different image, an image of a docile, fearful and reclusive creature tucked away in the dense forests of South America.

Classified as members of the boa family, anaconda snakes represent one of the lowermost strata in the pyramid of evolution. Found naturally in the dense tropical forests of South America, these serpentine creatures are worlds one of the biggest constrictors. Anaconda snakes come in two distinct and attractive colors, dull yellow and green. Wet and tropical climates, dense forests and undergrowth, and abundance of food are what make the ideal habitat for these visually majestic snakes.

In this era of instant gratification and consumerism, you do not need to go all the way to the dense forests of Trinidad or the swamps of Amazon to achieve the glory of viewing an anaconda alive. Drive down to the nearest snake park, or even easier, search for a view of anaconda in many famous sites and you shall get to see many antics of this particularly gigantic snake head. However, to appreciate Mother Nature true wonders you have to get your boots dirty.

Anaconda snake viewing is one of the most exotic adventure tourism available to us. All you need to do is consult your travel agent, fix up a packaged tour, and get a guided tour of Amazon. With a little luck and some time, you can see not only live anacondas, but also experience anacondas in conjunction with their own, natural ecosystem. No amount of National Geography documentaries viewed in widest of the wide screen televisions can substitute the rush of adrenalin that you will get while watching a true anaconda snake attacking a wild pig.

Planning a trip to the exotic Amazons is easy enough. A little research on the internet will give you sufficient information to plan your trip depending on your appetite for adventure and precious time available with you. A session with your travel agent will further fine-tune the travel plan and will ensure that what you get dovetails with what you expect.

Starting from specialized and trained guides, to boutique hotels offering you unmatched view of the jungle, a whole industry is waiting to help you experience the nature in its purest form at the Amazons. Now get out of that couch and grab a ticket to the Amazons, for watching anaconda snakes in its natural habitat is a sight to remember.

Anaconda Snakes are scientifically studied predators being monitored today. You can freely learn more about our newest topics, videos and educational facts in depth within the releases in the Anaconda Snake categories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Anaconda-Snakes-Today–Updating-News&id=424701

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. I have always wanted to travel the Amazon!!! If you’re like me, and are planning a trip, this book is a must have for traveling the Amazon:

The Amazon, 3rd: The Bradt Travel Guide This new edition has been completely revised with updated information on hotels, lodges, and tour operators. It covers all nine countries of the Amazon Basin and Orinoco and includes a detailed illustrated natural history section on native species and habitats.

Technorati Tags: anaconda snakes, anaconda snake, snake, reptile, exotic animals, carnivore, Amazon, Amazon travel, snakes

Amazonian Anaconda is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

So, I was so inspired to bring you an article on them…

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Superfamily: Cucujoidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamilies:
1. Chilocorinae
2. Coccidulinae
3. Coccinellinae
4. Epilachninae
5. Scymininae
6. Sticholotidinae

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Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden
By Lesley Dietschy

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a gardener’s best friend. The ladybug’s bright coloring brings welcomed cheer to the garden, as well as helping with pest control. Since medieval times, ladybugs have been valued by farmers all over the world. Many believe that the ladybug was divinely sent to free crops of insect pests. In fact, that is how the ladybug got its name. People dedicated the bug to the Virgin Mary and therefore called it “The Bug of our Lady”, which was eventually shortened to the present name “ladybug”.

Adult ladybugs are usually oval or domed shaped and have red wings, yellow wings or shades and variations of these colors. The number of black spots can range from no spots to 15 spots and they are typically about one quarter inch in size or smaller.

The length of the life cycle of a ladybug varies depending upon temperature, humidity, and food supply. Usually the life cycle from egg to adult is about three to four weeks, and up to six weeks during the cooler spring months. During the spring the adult female ladybug can lay up to three hundred eggs in an aphid colony. The eggs normally hatch in two to five days. The newly hatched larvae feed on aphids for up to three weeks and then enter the pupae stage. About one week later, the adult ladybug emerges. There can be as many as six generations of ladybugs hatched in a year.

The ladybug enjoys popularity around the world. These pretty insects have long been considered a symbol of good luck and fortune because of their ability to eat an enormous amount of aphids. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 to 60 aphids per day. Aphids (also called plant lice) are herbivores and are one of the worst groups of pests on plants. They feed in colonies and damage plants by sucking the juice out of the leaves, stems, or roots. While aphids feed, they damage plant tissue creating a loss of plant fluids and the photosynthetic tissue needed to produce energy for plant growth. Some plants will show no adverse response to aphids, while others react with twisted, curled or swollen leaves or stems. Aphids also transmit many plant diseases from one plant to another.

Apart from aphids, ladybugs eat a variety of other insects and larvae including white flies, mealy bugs, spider mites, and other types of soft-bodied insects. They also require a source of pollen for food and for that reason are attracted to certain types of plants. Their preferred plants have umbrella shaped flowers such as dill, fennel, angelica, tansy, caraway, cilantro, yarrow, and wild carrot. Other plants that attract ladybugs include cosmos (especially the white ones), dandelions, coreopsis, and scented geraniums.

If your garden does not have adequate space to plant ladybug attracting plants, you can purchase ladybugs from numerous websites on the internet and most nurseries. Before releasing them into your garden, here are a few tips to help ensure that the ladybugs stay where you want them:

1. Release ladybugs near infested plants after sun down or before sun up. They navigate by the sun and are most likely to stay put in the evenings and early mornings.

2. Water the area where you are going to release the ladybugs. They will appreciate the drink and the moisture on the leaves will help the ladybugs to “stick” on the plants. If released in a dry garden, the ladybugs will most likely fly off in search of a drink instead of sticking around to eat.

3. In the warmer months, chill the ladybugs in the refrigerator before releasing them. This will not harm the ladybugs and they tend to crawl more in colder temperatures rather than fly away.

Another way to attract ladybugs to your garden is to place several ladybug habitation boxes around your garden. Fill the boxes with organic material such as peat or compost to encourage ladybugs to roost and lay eggs inside the box. In addition, the habitation box also provides protection for the ladybugs in the winter months.

To further promote ladybug populations, consider cutting back on spraying insecticides in your garden. Ladybugs are sensitive to most synthetic insecticides and if the majority of their food source is gone, they will not lay their eggs and therefore will not continue to populate.

Here are some interesting ladybug facts:

- There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide and 400 which live in North America.

- A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime.

- A ladybug beats its wings 85 times a second when it flies.

- A gallon jar will hold from 72,000 to 80,000 ladybugs.

- Ladybugs make a chemical that smells and tastes terrible so that birds and other predators won’t eat them.

- The spots on a ladybug fade as the ladybug gets older.

- Ladybugs won’t fly if the temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

- The ladybug is the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Tennessee.

As you can see, the ladybug is one of the most effective and economically important insects to have in your garden. In some cultures, seeing ladybugs in gardens indicates a bountiful harvest, an indication of good weather or a good luck omen. Create an alluring environment for ladybugs and they are sure to provide charm and pest control in your garden for years to come.

Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, and the founder of a network of popular websites including http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden.

For beautiful beaded bracelets, please visit:
http://www.BeadedBraceletBoutique.com

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?Ladybugs,-Ladybugs,-Come-to-My-Garden&id=28530

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. This shirt is so cute! I want one!!! Give this to the ladybug lover in your life:

Cute Ladybug Jr. Raglan Very cute and simple ladybug design. Excellent for any lady bug lover! This design is offered on a variety of items including stickers, journals, shirts and more!

Technorati Tags: ladybugs, garden, pest control, aphid control, insect, invertebrate, ladybird, lady beetle, animal tips

Kisses, Hugs & Ladybugs is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover