For the last 10 years, many of us have been plagued by ladybugs invading our homes each fall. That's why it may be hard to believe that some species of ladybugs (or lady bird beetles, as they are more correctly called) are disappearing. But it's true, and entomologists at Cornell University have launched a new citizen science project to find out what's happening.

One obvious answer is that the multi-colored Asian ladybugs that invade our homes may be the problem. Perhaps they out-compete, or even eat, native species of ladybugs. Finding answers is the purpose of the Lost Ladybug Project.

Over the last 20 years, many native ladybug species that were once common have become rare. This is of practical concern because ladybugs are voracious predators of garden and agricultural pests, especially aphids.

The Lost Ladybug Project is enlisting volunteers from around the country to search for and photograph ladybugs. Images are then sent to Cornell for study. The plan is that every photograph will be permanently linked to a digital image of a particular ladybug. Though the Web site includes a field guide for identification, each image will be examined by trained specialists to minimize identification errors.

On a broader scale, the Project will also allow participants to gain an understanding of the problems of invasive species and the value of biodiversity and conservation.

To participate, simply go to the Web site www.lostladybug.org, and follow the directions. Instructions include tips on how to find, collect, and photograph ladybugs and how to submit the images.

Though the primary audience of the Lost Ladybug Project is children 5 to 11 years old from rural and suburban areas, amateur naturalists of all ages are welcome, and most children will need some adult supervision to participate in the project.

Citizen science has exploded in recent years, and I've been planning to compile a list of projects. But reader Glenn A. Walsh beat me to it. With his permission, his list can be found at http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/FAQ/citizenscience.html.