Ladybirds

We stumbled across a wonderful discovery recently. Whilst out on one of our walks around the farm, Sol discovered two fascinating insects he had not come across before. Later, we worked out what they were - ladybird pupa and ladybird larva - we hadn't at first even realised they could be related! There were adult ladybirds in the same area too. The lifecycle of the ladybird. Sol was so intrigued and excited! I just so love this type of natural learning - this is what it's all about and it is exhilerating!

So, this is the story:

Ladybirds undergo a complete metamorphosis. The life stages are: egg --> larva --> pupa --> adult.

Look how fantastic the larvae are. They don't look like ladybirds, do they? These are the sort Sol's really intrigued with.

The larvae that hatches from the egg is small and long and has 6 legs. They wander among the leaves in search of food, mainly aphids, just like the adults. As it rapidly grows, the larvae sheds its skin several times. After reaching full size, the larvae attaches itself to a plant leaf by its "tail" and remain suspended there. The larval skin then splits down the back, exposing the pupa.

The pupa is about the size of the adult but is all wrapped up, protecting the ladybird while it undergoes metamorphosis into its adult stage. This last stage takes a few days.

Adult ladybird. There are many different species of ladybirds found on different continents. They are generally considered useful insects as many species feed on aphids or scale insects, which are pests in gardens, agricultural fields, orchards and similar places.

During the Middle Ages, ladybirds answered farmers' prayers by savings their crops from pests. This led to their association with the Virgin Mary, 'The Beetles of Our Lady'. The red wings were said to represent the Virgin's cloak and the black spots were symbolic of both her joys and her sorrows. Nearly all cultures believe that a Ladybird is lucky. Killing one is said to bring sadness and misfortune.