Photo-observations of Ladybugs from larva to pupa to adult beetles
In mid-spring with the greening of the Great Basin Desert, strange tiny alligator-like creatures seem to appear when the Filaree plants begin to grow. These colorful, fearsome, elongated insects that cling to walls and scurry along walkways are actually the larval stage of Ladybugs.
Ladybugs are in fact small beetles, Coccinellidae, that only reach from 2 to 10 millimeters in size. The Ladybugs or Lady Beetles were given their unique name as legend goes, when many hundred years ago European farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help to save their crops from a plague of insects. The tiny red beetles arrived in swarms and began devouring the pests, so they were appropriately named Lady beetles. Lady beetles were introduced to the U.S. from Europe and became known as Ladybugs.
Ladybugs are not harmful to humans and are one of the most beneficial critters to have in the garden because they eat aphids, scale insects and plant mites. As a defense mechanism and to ward off predators, the adult ladybug displays a vivid red shell. If threatened small drops of blood with a foul odor are released from the leg joints.
Come spring, the female ladybug lays her eggs on the underside of an especially selected leaf. In 4 to 10 days, the larvae hatch and begin eating any aphids or other appropriate insects. They may also eat the egg casing and/or their siblings.
The ladybug larva
continues to grow and will shed the exoskeleton five to seven times in the
larval stage.
Continuing to develop and between 10 to 14 days, the larva will find a stable structure and affix itself to begin metamorphosis into a lady beetle; this is the pupa stage of the ladybug's life cycle.
A
hard shell protects the pupa during the 7 to 10 day transformation.
When the young ladybug first emerges from pupa, its body is soft and
dull in color. At this stage it is most vulnerable.
As the beetle
develops into an adult ladybug, the shell will harden and become more vibrant in
color. The orange-red color of the shell is a defense mechanism that is
perceived as a warning for predators to keep their distance.
The diet
of ladybugs consists not only of small garden pests but also pollen from flowers
and water from shallow surfaces.
In defense of these beneficial garden allies, I have become much more conscientious with my insect and weed control. A broom takes care of most unwanted creepy crawlers and a sharp hoe removes the weeds. I get the exercise while the ladybugs do their work.
In defense of these beneficial garden allies, I have become much more conscientious with my insect and weed control. A broom takes care of most unwanted creepy crawlers and a sharp hoe removes the weeds. I get the exercise while the ladybugs do their work.
With El Nino still in the weather forecast, the Great Basin area of
Northern Nevada is getting more rain, so follow my blog and check back often to
see where my next photo-adventure takes me.
For additional information on Lady beetles:
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/04/ladybugs-called/
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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