August 3, 2009 | Ladybugs were out in force in July, covering this tree on Green Mountain in the Flatirons. The bugs often congregate around Boulder’s higher elevations, but this year’s swarm is unusually strong and about two months ahead of the typical peak. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other insects that thrived in this year’s moist, temperate spring. April, May, and June brought 11.66 inches of precipitation, almost 50% above average. Boulder’s last freeze was on April 27, unusually early, and it took until July 8 to reach 90°F—the latest start on record for 90-degree weather. “The ramp-up from hard freezes to heat was very gradual this year,” notes Matt Kelsch (COMET).