Ladybugs

Who doesn’t like ladybugs? Even people who freak out when a bug approaches, don’t seem to mind a ladybug landing on them. These small little beetles have quite a story to tell, so why not spend some time learning about ladybugs!

By the Numbers

There are over 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world. They come in many different colors and patterns, but the most familiar in North America is the seven-spotted ladybug with a shiny red or orange and black body. Other species can have stripes or no markings at all.

The Farmer’s Friend

Farmers love ladybugs because they eat aphids and other plant-eating pests. One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime! Ladybugs have two ways to defend themselves from their predators which are usually birds, but can also be frogs, wasps, spiders and dragon flies. Sometimes they will lay on the ground and play dead. Their main line of defense however, is that they can secrete an oily, foul-tasting substance from the joints in their legs which none of their predators find very tasty.

Ladybug, Ladybug, Where is Your Home?

Ladybugs can live in varied habitats including grasslands, forests, cities, suburbs and along rivers. They are most active from spring until fall. When it starts getting cooler, they will hibernate in places such as rotting logs, under rocks or even in houses. These colonies of hibernating ladybugs can contain thousands of the little beetles.

Video

There are numerous videos about ladybugs. One I viewed seemed to be engaging for kids while giving them some interesting facts about ladybugs. You can access this video by clicking here.

Field Trip!

You surely won’t have to go far to do a ladybug “hunt”. In fact, if you are out among trees and flowers, a ladybug might just find you!

– Becky Lynn is a writer for EllisDownHome.com. She and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their 8 grandchildren and traveling. Becky loves cranking up the music and heading to the kitchen to try out new recipes or cook for an upcoming party. She is passionate about continuing to be a life-long learner!

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