Environment

Are the grey squirrel rumours true? Readers’ nature questions

Éanna Ní Lamhna on hibernation once again, ladybirds of Ireland and ant activity

Grey squirrel

Eanna Ní Lamhna's face
Eanna Ní Lamhna
Sat May 14 2022 - 06:00

Grey squirrels are great to watch, but is the rumour true that they don't hibernate? If not, why? – Edward Barr, Dublin
You shouldn't listen to rumours. Squirrels both red and grey collect and store nuts in early autumn to eat over the winter as they don't hibernate and will need these stores of food. Hedgehogs and bats, both of which are carnivores, do hibernate as there is no food available for them over winter. They can slow down their metabolic rate so that they survive on stored fat in their bodies. Squirrels cannot do this.

Caterpillar of the ruby tiger moth

I spotted this caterpillar in Moreland's Meadow, where it was well hidden among the grass ... I thought it was a burr until it moved! What it is? – Paul Aiken, Belfast
It is most likely the caterpillar of the ruby tiger moth, which feeds on a variety of plants (including some grasses) and appears at this time of year. It could possibly be a buff ermine either, but the ruby tiger caterpillars have black heads.

Ten-spot ladybird

This little ladybird landed on a plastic plate outside recently. Google Lens indicates it's an ash grey ladybird. Can you identify it please? Is it a baby ladybird without pigment? It was about 5mm across. – Niall O'Carroll, Co Kerry
Ash grey ladybirds are indigenous to North America and don't occur in Ireland. This little one is a 10-spot ladybird that has overwintered as an adult and now emerged to feast on aphids in your garden. We have 19 native species of ladybirds.

Ants on willow

I saw these tiny ants scurrying up and down willow – a lot of effort for what? I wrote to Michael Viney about this phenomenon May 2, 2021. He said they are after sap, but I do not see sap on offer. – Paul Dunne, Co Galway
Ah, but you are not an ant! Ants feed on sweet sap and on honeydew excreted by aphids to give them the energy they need. Willows contain sweet sap and the ants are collecting what small amounts seep through the bark. This is what Michael was referring to.

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