In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

• Ask a question

« White Grubs | In the Garden front page | New arrival »

May 2, 2007

Ladybug larvae

Little alligators.

That’s what most people say this strange little creature resembles. You’ll see them all over plants this time of year. Not to worry, though, because their intentions are good.

They’re ladybug larvae, and despite their ferocious appearance, they do a world of good in the vegetable and flower garden. They feast on aphids. In fact they can eat about 25 aphids each day.

The larvae stage lasts for several weeks. Then comes the pupae stage where the larvae attach themselves to a leaf or piece of wood or stem. At this time it looks like a cross between its larvae and adult form. After about a week, the adult ladybug emerges. It lives about a month. During that time it also feasts on aphids, as well as mites and mealy bugs. If you see tiny yellow eggs on the backsides of leaves, chances are those are ladybug eggs.

To learn more about ladybugs, including how they defend themselves, where they live, how they got their name and more, visit the Ladybug Q&A.

Ask a question

Please use the form below to submit your question. Because there is a 100-word limit for questions, a word counter is located directly beneath the box where you enter the your question.