Ladybugs are common insects to be seen and stand out for their beauty. They are shaped similar to a beetle and measure 5 to 10 mm. Its most common color is red, but there are ladybugs of other colors, such as yellow, orange and green.
the ladybugs are Coleoptera family insects Coccinellidaeand. Important predators of larvae and eggs of other insects - especially aphids - are considered very important for biological control in agriculture.
Ladybug Characteristics
Ladybugs have rounded bodies, short antennae, 6 legs and a pair of wings. One of the pairs is thin and membranous and the other more resistant, called elytra. The elytra are the outer part, being the one that has the colors, which are usually red with black spots, but their characteristics can vary greatly depending on the species.
Ladybug flying.
Despite having few predators, the bright colors of the ladybugs serve to warn them that they are poisonous.
Its antennas serve as radar for finding food, breeding partners and also for spatial location. within the family
Coccinellidae there are about 6000 species, which are divided into 350 genera.Ladybugs feeding
Ladybugs are predators, which means that they feed on species different from yours. However, they can also feed on other insects and some species can feed on plants, mites and nectar.
Their main food is aphids, which is why they are highly desired by farmers, as they help in the biological control of these pests. Scale insects are also food pests for ladybugs.
know more about predators.
Where do ladybugs live?
Ladybugs are considered symbols of diversity, as they can be found in different habitats. As their main food source are aphids, they are more easily found where these pests exist.
Ladybug feeding on aphids.
Ladybug reproduction
There are both male and female ladybugs and fertilization of a female ladybug can happen several times a year. The number of eggs per female, in each reproductive cycle, can exceed 200.
The eggs can be left in different places, but it is common for ladybugs to lay them close to their prey, which will serve as food for the larvae.
Know what the characteristics of living beings.
Ladybugs life cycle
From the eggs hatch - 2 to 5 days after they are laid - until adulthood, ladybugs undergo a complete metamorphosis. When the eggs hatch, larvae come out that have an elongated body and are very different from the ladybug we know.
Ladybug larva.
After the larval stage, the ladybugs transform into pupa - also known as cocoon. The pupal stage lasts an average of 12 days, after which it opens and the ladybug comes out in its adult form, but with its exoskeleton still soft. When its exoskeleton hardens, the ladybug is in the adult stage and ready to fly and reproduce.
See also the meaning of butterfly.
