Likeable Ladybugs

Also Known as Lady Beetles or Ladybirds

Interesting Facts

Males are also called ladybugs

Friends to gardeners

Eat aphids, mites, and mealy bugs

Over 300 species and not all have spots

Brown, red, yellow, and orange

Ladybug Anatomy

Head

Antenna

For smelling and tasting

Abdomen and thorax

Reproductive system

Stinky defensive gel

Pronotum

Protects head

Elytra

Hard shell shows colorsand patterns

Protects wings

Wings

Two pair

Ladybug Anatomy

Head

EyePronotum

Antenna

Leg

Abdomen(under wings)

Wing(under Elytra)

Elytra

Life Cycle – Four Stages

Egg

Larvae

Pupa

Adult

Female lays eggs under a leaf

Larvae grow for two weeks

Resemble tiny alligators

Pupa sleep for days

Resemble shrimp

Emerges as soft, pink beetle

Shell hardens, changes color in two hours

Plants That Attract Ladybugs

Marigolds

Cilantro

Coriander

Dandelion

Fennel

Dill

Ladybugs wanted:• Coccinella novemnotata• Adalia bipunctata• C. Trifasciatahttp://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/insects/story23/index.htm