“Lola the Ladybug”

Project Notes

Here are basic facts you should know on your insect. Be sure to read them and learn these basic facts. I’ve
highlighted information that you should be sure to know by the time the project is due.

FAST FACTS

The scientific name for the seven-spotted ladybug is Coccinella septempunctata.

As ladybugs age, the color of their spots fades.
A ladybug in flight beats its wings up to 85 times per second.
Ladybugs breathe through openings on the sides of their bodies.
In its lifetime, a female ladybug will lay as many as 2,000 eggs.
There are more than 400 ladybug species in North America.
A ladybug can retract its head into its body.

What do ladybugs eat?

A. Ladybugs eat Aphids. Aphids are soft bodied insects that suck the juices out of plants. If you have
roses in your garden, you have seen aphids. Aphids also come in a variety of colors and not all ladybugs
like all the "flavors" of aphids. Ladybugs will also feed on scale insects and plant mites.

Are ladybugs poisonous?

A. No. Ladybugs are not poisonous to humans. However, they can have toxic effects on some animals.
Ladybugs have a foul odor which deters some predators from eating them and their bright colors also help
as a deterrent. In nature, red and orange, are warning colors that indicate to another animal or insect that
the potential "lunch item" might not be a good choice.

Why do ladybugs come into my house in the winter time?

A. Ladybugs are attracted to the light colored houses. The ladybugs come in through small cracks around
windows, door ways and under clap boards. They want to hibernate in a warm, comfortable spot over the
cold months of winter. Ladybugs gather in groups when they hibernate, so if you see one, you can be sure
more will follow.

Once the ladybugs are in my house, will they eat anything?

A. No. Ladybugs don't eat fabric, plants, paper or any other household items. They like to eat APHIDS.
Aphids are very small, but very destructive pest that feed on plants. (If you have rose bushes, you have
probably seen aphids.) Ladybugs, while trying to hibernate in your house, live off of their own body fats.
They, also, prefer a little humidity. But our homes are usually not very humid during the winter. In fact,
they are rather dry causing most of your ladybug guests to die from dehydration. Occasionally, you might
witness a ladybug in your bathroom getting a drink of water. Now, that's a smart lady!

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 “Lola the Ladybug”
Project Notes
Where do ladybugs live?
A. Ladybugs reside where insect pest populations are high. Ladybugs are happy in many different
habitats, including tree, flowers, shrubs, gardens, grasslands, forests, cities, suburbs, and along rivers.

How do ladybugs protect themselves?

A. Nature has uniquely designed a warning system of colors. Red, yellow and black are colors that warn
predators that the insect they are about to eat might not be a good lunch choice. The colors can warn of
danger such as poisonous, bad taste, or the ability to defend itself against the predators. Colors can also
camouflage and warn when there is nothing about the insect that is harmful. Ladybugs can also protect
themselves by playing dead. By pulling their legs up "turtle-style", and typically release a small amount
of blood from their legs. (This is called reflex bleeding.) The bad smell and the apparent look of death
usually deter predators from their small ladybug snack. After the threat of danger has passed, the ladybug
will resume its normal activities.

Can I keep a ladybug as a temporary pet?

A. Keeping a ladybug as a pet to observe will be fun. You can house your ladybug in a bug box or
terrarium. Keep the foliage moist, or place a damp paper towel inside so the ladybug can get a drink. You
can feed your ladybug moistened raisins or other sweet, non-acidic fruits. This will help maintain their fat
reserves until you are ready to release the ladybug in spring. You can even watch the entire life cycle with
a ladybug Rearing kit where you get to watch the baby ladybug larvae grow and turn into adult
ladybugs.

What is the yellow stuff coming from the ladybug?

Ladybugs can excrete some of their blood as a defense, which is mentioned above. It is yellow and smells
bad. There is that "color" defense again and it does smell quite unpleasant.

How did the ladybug get its name?

A. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed
to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came, ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops!
The farmers began calling the ladybugs "The Beetles of Our Lady", and they eventually became known as
"Lady Beetles"! The red wings represented the Virgin's cloak and the black spots represented her joys and
sorrows. They didn't differentiate between males and females.

Are all ladybugs girls?

A. No. There are boy ladybugs and girl ladybugs. It's almost impossible for the average person to tell
them apart. But here are some clue that might help. First, females are usually larger than males. Second, if
you observe one ladybug riding atop another ladybug, they are in the process of mating. A male ladybug
will grab the female's elytra (hard wings) and holds on tight.

What are boy ladybugs called?

A. Boy ladybugs are called ladybugs, too.

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 “Lola the Ladybug”
Project Notes
Can two different species mate to produce a new species?
A. Ladybugs are typically "species specific". That means that they can only reproduce successfully with
members of their same species.

What are ladybug babies called?

A. Ladybug babies are the larva. They look like little black and orange alligators with small spikes.

Are there different kinds of ladybugs?

A. Yes. There are hundreds of different kinds all over the world. There are about 500 different kinds in
the United States and nearly 5000 world wide. They come in all different colors, too. Reds, yellows,
orange, gray, black, brown and even pink.

What animals and insects prey upon the ladybug?

A. There are lots of animals and insects that prey upon ladybugs such as some types of birds, like martins,
swallows, swifts and crows. There are insects that also eat insects such as ladybugs like dragonflies,
assassin bugs, parasitic wasps, and ants. Other predators include tree frogs, anoles, parasites, fungus and
mites. Ladybugs certainly have their shares of problems!

Do the spots tell you how old they are?

A. No. Different ladybugs have different numbers of spots. Some have no spots while some have as many
as twenty four. Ladybugs generally complete their life cycle within one year. The spots are with them all
their life. They don't get more spots as they get older, nor do they lose spots.

What are the life cycle stages of a ladybug?

A. Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. The first three stages vary from 7-21 days each depending on the
weather, and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months depending on weather, length of
hibernation, food supplies and, of course, predators.

Why are ladybugs considered a "beneficial" insect?

A. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these
pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. Now, that's a
hungry lady!

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 “Lola the Ladybug”
Project Notes
♥ FUN FACTS ABOUT LADYBUGS ♥
« Not all Ladybugs have spots.
« Ladybugs will clean themselves after a meal.
« Ladybugs come in many colors like pink, yellow, white, orange and black.
« Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.
« Ladybugs make a chemical that smells and tastes bad so predators won’t eat them. 
« Ladybugs hibernate in large groups in cold weather.
« Many countries consider a ladybug to be a sign of good luck.
« Ladybugs are actually beetles, so sometimes are called LadyBeetles.
« The bright colors of Ladybugs warn birds that they don’t taste good.
« The spots on a Ladybug fade as they get older.
« Because Ladybugs eat lots of aphids and other pest insects, many gardeners and farmers use them
for pest control instead of chemicals.
« A Ladybug can lay up to 1000 eggs in its lifetime.
« Not all Ladybugs have spots.
« Ladybugs will clean themselves after a meal.
« Ladybugs come in many colors like pink, yellow, white, orange and black.
« Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.
« Ladybugs make a chemical that smells and tastes bad so predators won’t eat them. 
« Ladybugs hibernate in large groups in cold weather.
« Many countries consider a ladybug to be a sign of good luck.
« Ladybugs are actually beetles, so sometimes are called LadyBeetles.
« The bright colors of Ladybugs warn birds that they don’t taste good.
« The spots on a Ladybug fade as they get older.
« Because Ladybugs eat lots of aphids and other pest insects, many gardeners and farmers use them
for pest control instead of chemicals.

LADYB
UG
ANAT
OMY

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 “Lola the Ladybug”
Project Notes
1. Big Mouth
Did you know that I serve as the “Ultimate Gardener Helper?” Gardeners and farmers love to use me instead of pesticides,
because I too can save plants from being destroyed, except I do it in a natural way! I like to eat aphids and other bugs that
eat plants. By making them my dinner, I can protect crops from being eaten themselves!

Even my larvae eat aphids and other plant eating insects from birth. Did you know by the 6th week of life, we already
consume 5,000 aphids! It’s a pretty cool method of pest control don’t you think?!

2. Bright Elytra with Black Spots

My Elytra is a hard shell covering on my back to protect my fragile wings. It is so thin you can see through it!

My pretty Elytra is actually used to make me not so look good to predators. My bright colors tell them that I am not so
good to eat. I can actually secrete a foul tasting, orange, fluid from joints in my legs, and will even play dead, if I am
threatened by a predator!

Did you know that I come in many different colors such as red, orange, pink, yellow, white or black?

Did you also know that not all species have spots, and those of us who do have spots, lose our spots as we get older?

3. Pronotum
My Pronotum is found behind my flat head and usually has spots. It is used to hide and protect my head!

4. Antennae
My antennae have a special purpose as I use them for touch, smell, and taste! Which reminds me…Did you know that my
feet also have a sense of smell?

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