Over the past 20 years several once common ladybug species have become extremely rare while others have greatly increased in both their numbers and range. Besides being incredibly cool ladybugs are also essential predators for controlling pests. By sending in your pictures of the ladybugs you find in your neck of the woods (or city streets), you can help scientists piece together the changing world of the ladybug. To get the easy steps to participate go to the Lost Ladybug Project.

In the meantime, tour the globe and check out some of the ladybug snaps sent in so far. Find more at the Lost Ladybug Project.