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My Fair Ladybug
By Linda | June 3, 2009
I love ladybugs!
Far from being the docile “cows” of the insect world, these polka-dotted wonders are more like leopards! They are voracious predators that benefit the garden by devouring destructive insects called aphids. The picture below captures a ladybug munching on an unfortunate aphid.
Not only are they beneficial, ladybugs are a joy to behold! They come in many designer colors other than the classic red. Check out these beautiful specimens in black, green, orange, red, yellow and grey!
Ladybug Facts:
- The number of spots identifies the type of ladybug.
- There are more than 5,000 different species of ladybugs throughout the world.
- As ladybugs age, the color of their spots fade.
- Birds are the major predator of the ladybug. Ladybugs will play dead when threatened.
- Ladybug larvae can eat about 25 aphids a day; adults can eat over 50!
- Female ladybugs are larger than males with most species reaching an adult size of about 1/4 inch.
- While flying, a ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second.
- While eating, ladybugs chew from side to side and not up and down like animals.
- Ladybugs produce a chemical substance that smells and tastes horrible. This prevents them from being eaten by predators.
- In winter, ladybugs do not eat and survive on nutrients stored in their bodies.
The labybug, like all beetles, undergoes a complete metamorphosis during its life. The life stages of the ladybug are: egg –> larva –> pupa –> adult.
Topics: Animal Kingdom, Nature, Science Factoids |
August 8th, 2009 at 8:08 am
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