The life cycle of a ladybug:
Unlike their favorite food source - aphids (whose young are nymphs and look much like the adult only smaller and who reproduce both asexually and sexually), lady bugs undergo metamorphosis. They reproduce sexually, 200m- 500 yellow eggs are laid in clusters in areas of high aphid (or scale or spider mites)infestation. The larvae first hatch from the eggs mostly black and oval shaped. As they grow they take on a fierce appearance that some have likened to tiny alligators except they have 6 legs. I think they look like that thing on the original Star Trek that invaded Sulu's ear, ugh! While they don't have the cute, anthropomorphic appeal of the adult ladybug, the ugly larvae are equally harmless to all but their small insect prey. The larvae are also voracious predators. As they grow and molt (4 molts in all) they take on stripes resembling the wing color of their parents, so they wind up black and yellow, red or orange - depending on type. Little empty ladybug larvae skins will be left strung throughout the plant after each molt.
This spring's little drama of aphid infestation on my Sweet Annie yielded weeks worth of live food for my aquarium fish but as soon as the ladybug larvae emerged aphids were in short supply. These guys can really eat!
The final phase is that of pupation. The larvae pupate briefly (cocoon phase when metamorphosis occurs) in summer and then the adult lady bug emerges. 2 to 3 generations can reproduce in one summer. After the adult ladybug emerges s/he will fly off in search of a new "aphid plant" with a less depleted food supply to start the process all over again.
The adult will hibernate over the winter, sometimes in mass, preferably on a vertical surface. This includes houses (exterior siding or at times interior walls). Expect this phenomena in the fall and prepare for it by sealing cracks with caulk and repairing window screens. Attic vents and chimneys should be covered #20 or smaller screen mesh. If you do get an infestation of sleepy ladybug in your home interior gently vacuum or sweep the little guys up and move them to a more appropriate site. Look for someplace sheltered (rock or wood piles are good; they came indoors for a reason. Don't crush them, it's mean and besides they stink and stain when crushed. They also taste bad, just in case you have any bird like predilections.
Lady bug lady bug
fly away home
your house is on fire
and your children may burn.
old nursery rhyme, anonymous
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