Along the shores of the Black Sea and the Tuzlov Estuaries, a mass decline of seven-spotted ladybugs (Coccinella septempunctata) has been recorded. It is estimated that during a two-week migration, hundreds of millions of ladybugs perished. This was reported by Ivan Rusev, a PhD in biological sciences and an employee of the National Nature Park "Tuzlov Estuaries".

Possible Causes of the Ecological Phenomenon

Ecologist Ivan Rusev proposed two main hypotheses that could have led to this phenomenon. The first probable cause is the increased humidity in spring, which caused a rapid rise in aphid populations. In response, there was a mass reproduction of ladybugs that feed on these pests.

The second reason for the invasion and subsequent death of the insects, according to the scientist, is the mass harvesting of crops. He stated that a large amount of grain crops in the Ukrainian coastal region was harvested simultaneously, which sharply deprived ladybugs of their food sources.

Ivan Rusev emphasized the importance of preserving unplowed natural areas. He stated that in such areas, insects can redistribute and maintain the necessary balance of ecosystems, helping to prevent similar mass phenomena in the future.