MR. LADYBUG?

Fabulously Fun Ladybugs

Like most things in our bio-organic world of male and female...yes, there are male ladybugs. You might feel a bit uncomfortable calling them Lady, and may want to opt for the name Polka-Dot Beetle. 

Ladybugs are oval-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors and dots, mainly red and black, but may be yellow and other brilliant colors.  Ladybugs are beneficial to gardens because they feed on destructive insect pests, such as mites - and their choice meal - the pesky aphid.

There are over 5,000 different species of ladybug beetles, which 10% are found in North America.  The smaller male ladybug is vital to propagating and continuing the species, so his task is to mate with the larger female ladybug, create eggs that turn into pupa, which then become adult ladybugs. Here is the typical lifecycle of the ladybug beetle: Adult lifespan lasts few months where they lay yellowish eggs on leaves, which hatch in 3 to 7 days. The polka-dotted beetle egg turns into larvae for 2 to 4 weeks. Take a good look at this insect and try NOT to kill it as it is forming into a ladybug.  Next, they begin to turn into the pupa stage for about 5 to 7 days before becoming full Ladybug adults. It's important to recognize each stage of this fabulous and fun insect because they play a vital role in your garden.

To show our appreciation of the Ladybug, gardeners decorate with ladybug-themed garden stakes, wall art, bird feeders, and more. I even celebrate with a Backyard Bargain (such as Bernice Baby Knits Ladybug - handmade baby knit sweaters). This is one welcomed and cool insect to have in our gardens, either live or as Glitzy Garden Decor.