Lady beetles, ladybugs, or ladybird beetles (Hippodamia convergens) are among the most visible and best known beneficial insects. Both the adult and their dark gray and orange marked larvae feed on aphids (40-50 per day) and a wide variety of other soft-bodied pests, mites and eggs.
After a few days of feeding, female ladybugs will deposit their eggs in small yellow clusters under a leaf or stem. The number of eggs laid depends on the availability of aphids, and the eggs are laid near pest populations. Within a week the eggs hatch into tiny alligator shaped larvae that join their “parents” feeding on many insect pests. After about 3 to 4 weeks the larvae will pupate and one week later the young adult beetles will emerge, ready to feed. Ladybird beetles generally have one to two generations per year, depending on season length. |
