Biology of the Ladybug: Life Cycle
Ladybug’s eggs are small and yellow and are laid in small clusters, usually on leaves. They can lay up to 1000 eggs at a time. The eggs are placed near a food source (aphids). The eggs hatch in about a week's time.
The larvae have six legs and are black with small orange or white markings. The larvae look nothing like an adult ladybug. They molt a few times before pupating at about 1 month old. Mating takes place in the spring and since the growth cycle is so quick, several generations can be produces within one summer. In the winter, ladybugs crowd together under logs or rocks to stay warm. Winter survivors emerge again in spring to mate once more.
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