Monster bug? Not!

Have you ever seen a bug that looks like this?

Here's another picture of it.

Looks kind of scary, doesn't it?  

In reality, this is the larval stage of an insect that you are very familiar with . . . the Ladybug!  Believe it or not, this is what they look like after they hatch.  During this stage,  the larvae feed voraciously. A single larva can consume dozens of aphids per day. They also feed on other soft-bodied plant pests as well, such as scale insects, mites, and insect eggs

At the end of the larval stage, the Lady Bug attaches itself to a leaf and pupates.  This is what it looks like while in the pupal stage.

During this stage, the ladybug's body undergoes a remarkable transformation.  This transformation is a result of special cells called histoblasts. The histoblasts regulate a special biochemical process through which the larval body is broken down and reformed into the adult ladybug.  This process may last anywhere from 3 to 12 days depending on the species of Ladybug and various environmental variables, such as temperature.

It emerges from the pupal stage as an adult Ladybug.

Ladybugs are a favorite with children and adults alike because of their bright color and spots.   They have a fun shape too.  No wonder a well-known automobile is nicknamed after them!  

But, first and foremost, they are a beneficial insect that we should all make a concerted effort to attract to our gardens.  And, the first rule of attracting beneficial insects to your garden, is "Avoid using pesticides".  Pesticides do not discriminate between good and bad insects and will kill good insects just as dead as they do problem insects.

Next, be sure to include plants that attract beneficial plants in your garden.  The tiny, clustered flowers of umbels offer exposed nectar and pollen to small pollinators like parasitic wasps. Umbels include plants, such as yarrow, dill, fennel, and wild carrots. Composite flowers attract the larger pollinators, like robber flies and predatory wasps. Composite flowers include many garden favorites, like zinnias and sunflowers.   

Finally, learn to recognize the most common beneficial insects so you can avoid killing them.  Here is a good link: 

http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/tp/top10beneficialinsects.htm