Ladybug Metamorphosis
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Much to my delight, many of you knew that yesterday’s mystery photo was none other than the larval stage of a ladybug (referred to as a “ladybird beetle” by entomologists, as it is not a true bug, but a beetle). I remember when I first learned what the different stages of a ladybug’s life cycle looked like – I couldn’t believe that this miniature alligator-like creature turned into a sweet little ladybug. Approximately 88% of all insects pass through four separate stages (complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult) by the time they reach adulthood. Ladybugs are one of these insects. The first three stages of a ladybug’s life each last anywhere from 7 to 21 days, depending on weather and food supply. An adult ladybug lives for 3 to 9 months. The larvae of all ladybug species (there are approximately 450 in New England) have a similar appearance. Yesterday’s larva, as well as today’s pupa (and accompanying shed larval skin) and adult, are Multicolored Asian Ladybugs.June 13, 2012 | Categories: Arthropods, Beetles, Bugs, Insects, Invertebrates, June, Larvae, Metamorphosis, Pupae | Tags: Complete Metamorphosis, Harmonia axyridis, Insect Metamorphosis, Insect Predators, Ladybird Beetles, Ladybugs, Metamorphosis, Multicolored Asian Ladybugs | 4 Comments »
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