Life Cycle of the Ladybug

These cute little creatures are adorable as an adult and are wonderful insect controllers. However, in mid-Spring they lay their eggs on the undersides of my potato plants. Not that I mind that at all, but they are ravenous little eaters and can consume a lot for such little larvae. They do feed on aphids and small insects found on the plants, but definitely like to eat the tender shoots of the potatoes.

Ladybug Larvae Feasting on Aphids

I found a lot of the larvae also on the patch of Milkweed that I let grow wild in the gardens for them and the Swallowtail butterflies. Actually, the Monarchs come to enjoy the nectar from the flowers as well.

Ladybugs typically stay in the larvae stage from three to four weeks, molting four times before they enter the pupa stage. This is when they curl up and attach themselves to the underside of the plant leaves. It takes a bit over a week before the transformation occurs and they emerge from the pupal skin.

Pupa Stage

After emerging from the pupa stage it takes a couple days for the wings to mature enough for them to take flight. The vigorous eating cycle will begin once again. The cute little ladybugs will devour an enormous amount of aphids, insect eggs and mealybugs before they begin the mating ritual. The cycle begins again and their little, oval shaped eggs are laid, once again.

Life Cyle

Milkweed Flower

Adult Ladybug Beetle

Thank you for stopping by my post, I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about the ladybug beetles I have found hatching in my gardens.
Info Source
Life Cycle Image Source

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