Facts and Myths About Ladybug Infestations || 10% payout @japansteemit

Ladybugs are one of the most intriguing creatures in the animal kingdom. Ladybugs are not only symbolic to our Halloween festivities but they are also known for their nectar feeding, ovipositing and larval-pupal metamorphosis patterns. Let's explore more of what you ought to know about this fascinating creature!

They have a hard shell called an elytra that protects them from predators, but it is soft underneath so they can fly easily.

There are thousands of different species of ladybugs across North America alone. Some species will hibernate over winter while others migrate south when cold weather arrives. Some live in trees while some live on the ground. And some ladybug species have bright colors to warn predators that they are not tasty, while others have cryptic camouflage.

According to National Geographic, one of the most well-known types of ladybugs is Coccinellidae, which has 2,500 different species.

After mating, female ladybugs lay their eggs on plants. The larvae hatch and they are voracious predators that eat pests like aphids and mites.

When it is time for the larva to pupate, they dig a hole in the soil where they form an earthen chamber.

Over winter, the pupa hibernates until the temperature is warm enough for the ladybug to emerge.

Once they are an adult, female ladybugs can lay up to 300 eggs in their lifetime.