This photograph is of a Ladybug in its
larval stage of development. I found it so strange that this critter
becomes a Ladybug when it matures, but, such is the life of this
insect!
They are small insects,
ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly
yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers,
with black legs, head and antennae. A very large number of species are
mostly or entirely black, grey, or brown and may be difficult for
non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids (and, conversely, there
are many small beetles that are easily mistaken as such, like tortoise
beetles).
Predatory ladybugs are usually found on plants where aphids or scale insects
are, and they lay their eggs near their prey, to increase the
likelihood the larvae will find the prey easily. Ladybugs are
cosmopolitan in distribution, as are their prey.
Ladybugs also require a source of
pollen for food and are attracted to specific types of plants. The most
popular ones are any type of mustard plant, as well as other early
blooming nectar and pollen sources, like buckwheat, cilantro, red or
crimson clover, and legumes like vetches. Also, early aphid sources,
like bronze fennel, dill, cilantro, caraway, angelica, tansy, yarrow, of
the wild carrot family, Apiaceae. Other plants that also attract
ladybugs include coreopsis, cosmos (especially the white ones),
dandelions, and scented geraniums.
Thanx to Alan Hochman!
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