During that time, they look like tiny black alligatorsand outright scary.
Dont let this fool youthe larvae of ladybugs dont bite or sting.
They are harmless to humans, yet highly valuable beneficial insects that feed on garden pests.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Some gardeners even purchase ladybug larvae to help fight pests.
Eggs:The ladybug will lay anywhere from five to 30 eggs under a leaf.
Larvae:After anywhere from two to 10 days, larvae emerge.
David Long / EyeEm / Getty Images
This stage spans from seven to 15 days.
eventually, the cuticle will harden and turn a vibrant red.
What Do Ladybug Larvae Look Like?
Sevenspotted ladybug larvae eating liceNaturfoto Honal / Getty Images
The larvae spend several weeks eating pest insects until they eventually pupate and emerge as adults.
They come out from cover in early spring and begin feeding and laying eggs right away.
One female lady beetle can lay up to 1,000 eggs over a three-month period.
When the young lady beetles emerge from the eggs as larvae, they begin feeding immediately.
What Is a Nymph?
One larva will eat about 400aphidsin the three weeks before it pupates.
Besides other insects, lady beetles also feed on pollen.
Plant some of their favorite flowers to attract them to your garden.
These includeangelica,calendula,coreopsis,cosmos,dill,chives,marigold,sweet alyssum, andyarrow.
To keep ladybugs happy, plant their favorite food sources and do not use insecticides.
Lady beetles also need a source of watera shallow saucer of water is sufficient.
Native vs.
The most widespread non-desirable ladybug is the harlequin ladybird orAsian lady beetle.
To tell the difference, Asian lady beetles are typically larger in size and tend to congregate in clusters.
To care for your larvae indoors, keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
Ladybug larvae usually hatch during June and July.
Rather, they prefer to do so on the underside of leaves.
