Ladybugs can sometimes fly to your apartment or house in early to mid-autumn. Most people have a favorable attitude towards these cute insects, despite the fact that by nature they are pronounced predators.
Ladybug eats apple jam
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In the photo you can see how a ladybug eats our homemade apple jam in the fall, prepared using a minimal amount of sugar. Apples were collected in summer from wild forest trees.
This piece of sweet apple at the end of the toothpick, as strange as it may seem, turned out to be not enough, I had to go to the refrigerator for the same addition. The bug ate very actively and with appetite.
Why are ladybugs dangerous for humans?
Human contact with ladybugs can be dangerous. The fact is that the blood of these bugs is poisonous, which is why birds do not eat them. If it gets into a wound on the skin, it will cause burning and irritation. In case of contact with eyes, wash thoroughly.
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Features and habitat of the insect
The ladybug (from the Latin Coccinellidae) is a coleopterous insect of the order of beetles , which lives in almost all corners of the globe, except Antarctica and permafrost zones. In its natural habitat, this insect does not look defenseless - it is a pronounced predator.
The body of Coccinellidae has a hemispherical convex shape. The phase of intensive reproduction and development of beetles begins with the onset of spring and lasts until late autumn. The lifespan of a ladybug ranges from 3-4 months to a year, depending on the climatic conditions of the region and the availability of food.
The seven-spotted ladybird (from the Latin Coccinella septempunctata) is the most numerous and widespread species of the order. It is characterized by a pronounced color of the wings (red-orange tones) and black dots on them. It has a unique method of protection - in case of danger, it releases a characteristically smelling orange liquid. Developed wings enable the insect to fly.
The main enemies of Coccinellidae are spiders and the frogs that feed on them. They are of no interest to birds.
How to purchase
As you know, the main thing that ladybugs eat is aphids. Since this insect and its larvae are very useful for growing crops, many farmers would like to have them in their fields. Today it is very easy to do. You can simply buy them, create the right conditions for them and plant them in your garden or field.
The eggs of these aphid killers can be purchased not only in gardening centers, but also simply on the Internet. The order will arrive by mail. All that remains is to breed the beetles.
One of the conditions is a complete rejection of pesticides. Otherwise, insects will not live in an environment unsuitable for them. They should be released into the garden at cooler times of the day: in the morning or evening. If there is no dew, you should spray the plants with water. That's all you need to know about breeding ladybugs. These rules are quite simple, and the benefits from these insects are disproportionately high.
Interesting Facts:
- In the wild, ladybugs can live up to 3 years.
- The length of an adult reaches 1 cm.
- During the life cycle, the spots on the back of the ladybug gradually lighten.
- The ladybug breathes through holes located on the sides of its body.
- When threatened, ladybugs secrete a yellow liquid that is toxic to other insects. And if this does not help, the cunning spotted bug can pretend to be dead and tasteless.
- For a summer resident, a ladybug is one of the most welcome guests and a hardworking assistant in the garden.
- In suitable conditions, a ladybug can live for some time in enclosed spaces, for example, in apartments. There she will lay up to 20 eggs and soon not only the children, but also the parents will be happy.
Interesting Facts:
- In the wild, ladybugs can live up to 3 years.
- The length of an adult reaches 1 cm.
- During the life cycle, the spots on the back of the ladybug gradually lighten.
- The ladybug breathes through holes located on the sides of its body.
- When threatened, ladybugs secrete a yellow liquid that is toxic to other insects. And if this does not help, the cunning spotted bug can pretend to be dead and tasteless.
- For a summer resident, a ladybug is one of the most welcome guests and a hardworking assistant in the garden.
- In suitable conditions, a ladybug can live for some time in enclosed spaces, for example, in apartments. There she will lay up to 20 eggs and soon not only the children, but also the parents will be happy.
Interesting to know
Folklorists believe that the name of the beetle is directly related to the ancient Slavic pagan goddess of agriculture and fertility Mokosh. The flight of an insect from the finger was accompanied by the well-known request for bread (“fly to heaven, bring me bread”) as a symbol of productivity and prosperity. This explains her divinity.
In English-speaking regions it is called Lady bird or Lady beetle. The general word Lady, according to scientists, implies the image of the Virgin Mary, and Catholics consider the insect itself to be the insect of the Virgin Mary.
In a number of world cultures, killing this species is prohibited as they are believed to bring good luck.
Give up chemistry
Pesticides do not differentiate between good and bad insects; they kill them all. If you have previously treated the plants with chemicals, ladybugs will definitely not land on them.
Once you have attracted beneficial insects, you can encourage them by periodically feeding them with a homemade liquid food solution. Mix equal parts water and brewer's yeast with a little honey and spray throughout the garden. Pour the solution into an aerosol can and spray it onto the surface of the plants.
Interaction type
Coccinellidae larvae and parasite
The relationship between ladybug and aphid begins in the larval stage of Coccinellidae. The life cycle of a ladybug starts with the beginning of spring, in March-April. For three weeks, the larva feeds abundantly on aphid insects, eating approximately one thousand aphid insects. When the larva is sufficiently nourished and ready for the next stage of transformation, it spins itself a cocoon. The larva matures in a cocoon for a week and reaches a certain level of maturity. Only after this the Ladybug beetle is born.
Adult and Aphidoidea
Having formed into an adult, the ladybug eats up to two hundred aphid insects per day. And she does this from spring to autumn. Almost the entire daily routine of the beetle is tied to searching for and eating aphids. When the cow does not find the object of desire, it can feast on scale insects, whiteflies or spider mites. The ladybug is considered an industrial device for exterminating aphids and similar pests. There is a practice of spreading cows by dropping them from airplanes onto fields.
Before the harvest period, ladybugs feed on aphids and other insects , feeding enough to lay eggs. Thus, during the period of active growth and development of the plant, the ladybug protects it from pests. For the winter, these insects climb into the mountains, hide in rock crevices and tree bark cracks and remain there until early spring.
Beetle helping gardeners
Ladybugs or Coccinellidae are a member of the beetle family whose main diet consists of aphids. In search of food, ladybugs migrate for the winter and return in the spring. In some way they are migratory insects. They are engaged in the extermination of aphids from spring to late autumn. After this, eggs are laid near the aphid colony.
Somewhere from 14 0C, ladybugs fill meadows, fields and other flowering and fragrant lands. Alfalfa and barley fields are the most pleasant for cows. These territories are so attractive for Coccinellidae because they are extremely attractive to the main nutritional unit of ladybugs, namely aphids.
During the larval stage, the ladybug consumes about a thousand aphids. In its adult state, an individual eats two hundred insects. Thus, the Ladybug is a farmer’s best friend, just as a dog is a man’s best friend.
Nutrition and maintenance
In order to feed a ladybug, you need to know what it eats. Young individuals are very voracious. Ladybugs eat:
- aphids are the main source of food;
- psyllids;
- scale insects;
- scale insects;
- ticks.
Therefore, they can most often be found under the leaves of trees and plants, as well as in crevices of buildings and wooden window blocks.
Transparent glass or plastic containers with a closed top are ideal for home improvement. The best option would be a bottle or food box with a lid. But we should not forget that every living organism requires oxygen for life and development, so small holes must be made in the lid to allow air to enter the container.
The cow's home should be of such a size that it can fly short distances. A twig or any object with an internal hole is perfect as a sleeping place so that the animal can hide there. For variety and beauty, you can add flower petals or grass to the “interior”. It is important to prevent the leaves from rotting and drying in the container , changing them every two days.
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It is not recommended to store the glass “house” in places with direct exposure to sunlight, since strong heating of the vessel can lead to detrimental consequences for the insect.
Food for keeping ladybugs at home can be:
- honey;
- sugar;
- lettuce;
- raisin;
- apples.
Water plays a special role in the nutritional diet of any organism. For convenience, you can place a metal bottle cap in your home and fill it with water. The water level in the drinking bowl should not exceed the height of the beetle's body so that it does not drown. It is enough to feed and water the insect 2-3 times a day, but it is important not to overfeed it. Meals should be taken in small portions.
Classification by type
In total, the family unites more than 4000 species, divided into 7 subfamilies, which, in turn, unite 360 genera. You can identify the most interesting and original-looking representatives:
- Two-point. The body length of this beetle is 5 mm. The elytra are dark red and have large black spots. The anterior carina on the prothorax is absent. The front wall has a yellow border on the side, and this part of the body itself is black.
- Seven-point. In European countries this species is the most common. Its dimensions vary from 7 to 8 mm. The elytra are red, at their base there is one white spot of miniature size and 3 larger black spots. A seventh spot is found on the cheek.
- 12-point. This beetle is 6 mm long. The elytra are red or pink, and each of them has 6 dots.
- 13-point. Their body is elongated, the size ranges from 5 to 7 mm. There are 13 spots on the red-brown wings, some of which are combined with each other.
- 14-point. The main color of this species is black or yellow. If the wings are colored yellow, then their points are black, and vice versa. The body has a length of up to 3.5 mm. This species is found in European countries.
- Asian. The length from the head to the edge of the abdomen is 7 mm. There are two subspecies, one of which has yellow wing covers and black spots. They can be small or large in size. The prothorax is white in color and decorated with a black pattern. The second variety has black elytra, on which 19 red or orange spots can be clearly seen.
- Changeable. The body size reaches 5.5 mm. The pronotum is black, decorated with two yellow spots. There is also one large spot near the shield. A yellow border frames the edges of the front wall.
There are other varieties worthy of attention. The ocellated ladybug is a fairly large insect. Its body length can reach up to 10 mm. The head and back in front are black, decorated with yellow dots. The presence of light rims on the elytra is a characteristic feature. Another type is the 24-spot alfalfa, a pest of agricultural crops. The small beetle has a total body length of no more than 4 mm. Its body is red, strewn with 24 small black spots.
The dotted species is considered quite rare. Thin and small villi cover its brown or red body. An adult is rarely larger than 4.5 mm. There are no characteristic points here.
At the same time, several shade variations are provided for the genus Sospita. The Halyzia sedecimguttata variety has an orange body color and many white dots. You can see it in the British Isles and in some European countries. Anatis labiculata is characterized by a light gray or white body color. Halmus chalybeus is a unique blue-colored species native to Australia.
What do they eat and what can they feed at home?
If a ladybug is found in your apartment in winter, do not throw it outside: it will die there and will not be able to give birth to new offspring. Help the insect survive until spring! To do this, take any container and cover the bottom with leaves, sticks and twigs.
For the “artificial cracks” effect, add more straw: this will help the ladybugs build a shelter for themselves. In their natural environment, bugs feed on:
- aphids;
- small caterpillars;
- butterfly eggs.
But in the animal world there are also subspecies that eat exclusively plant foods.
Some can even enjoy small fruits. At home, insects are fed with sweet sugar water. You can dilute honey. Just pour the dessert into the bottle cap. Let's not forget about water.
