Ladybugs
Ladybugs (also called lady birds and lady beetles) are small, oval-shaped
winged insects. They are usually red with black spots or black with red
spots on the wing covers. The number of spots identifies the type of
ladybug. Most ladybugs are less than 1/4 inch long. As ladybugs age, the
color of the spots fade. There are about 5000 species of ladybug
throughout the world and they can survive in a variety of habitats,
including forests, fields, grasslands, gardens, and even in people's
houses. Like all beetles, the ladybug undergoes a complete metamorphosis
during its life. The life stages of the ladybug are: egg larva
pupa adult. When they are not flying, the flight wings are covered
and protected by a pair of modified wings (called elytra). When flying,
the elytras open up, allowing the wings to move. Females are larger than
males.
Ladybug larvae and adults eat aphids, mealybugs, and mites. Ladybug larvae
can eat about 25 aphids a day; adults can eat over 50. Female ladybugs lay
tiny eggs, usually laid in a small mass. The larvae that hatch from the
eggs are small and long and have 6 legs. As it rapidly grows, the larva
molts (sheds its skin) several times. After reaching full size, the larva
attaches itself to a plant leaf or stem. The larval skin then splits down
the back, exposing the pupa. The pupa is about the size of the adult but
is all wrapped up, protecting the ladybug while the it undergoes
metamorphosis into its adult stage. This last stage in the metamorphosis
takes a few days.
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