After the latest abundant rains in Lanzarote and La Graciosa, these weeks there is an insect that we can see in every corner of the islands. It is the sarantontón or ladybug, a species that stands out for its red color and black spots that is present in all the Canary Islands and in other regions of the world. These vibrant colors send a message of danger to their predators, despite being harmless.
Now, we can see these insects in many areas, both in ornamental plants, vegetable and fruit crops or on the walls of our houses. The reason is the rains that have fallen between December and February, which have caused numerous vegetation to germinate and many farmers to cultivate the sandy cultivations of the island.
This causes that, with the germination and splendor of fruit trees, vegetables and other plants, along with the arrival of spring and more pleasant temperatures, different pests appear such as aphids, fleas, mites and mealybugs.
Ladybugs feed on these pests, which is why it is a phytophagous species, being able to eat up to more than a thousand insects of these species throughout the summer. Therefore, they represent one of the greatest allies of farmers, as they do not feed on crops but they do feed on these pests.
Regarding its reproduction, it can form up to three generations in a year. The females lay their eggs on the leaves, always near aphid colonies that serve as food for the future larvae, as explained by the CanariWiki website of the Government of the Canary Islands. Later, these larvae undergo a metamorphosis to become a ladybug.
The sarantontones are part of Canarian culture, as many songs and children's games talk about this insect so beneficial for the biodiversity of the islands.
