LADYBUG

 

Ladybugs, which are actually beetles, are beneficials because they eat aphids, mealy bugs and red spider mites. Their larvae are very hungry too. Ladybugs eat up to five thousand aphids in their one-to-two-year lifespan.

 

How do I attract ladybug beetles?

 

If you have pests, a shallow water source and flowers, the ladybugs will come and might just stay.

 

Factoids

 

Ladybugs can protect themselves by playing dead. They pull their legs up turtle-style and release a small amount of blood from their limbs. This is called reflex bleeding. The bad smell and the apparent look of death usually deters predators from a ladybug snack. After the threat of danger has passed, the ladybug will resume its normal activities.