Creation Close-Ups: The Ladybug

My sister-in-law reminded me recently about this post I had made years ago, and suggested that I should re-post it again....so here it is. :) 

Friday, August 15, 2014

I'm always happy to find pretty little ladybugs like this one around 

our yard, or better yet, out in the garden, as this one was. :) 

"O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: 

the earth is full of Thy riches." ~Psalm 124:24 

 Some interesting facts:

Ladybugs are the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio and Tennessee.

They can live up to three years.

A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Ladybugs hibernate in large groups in cold weather. 

What are the life cycle stages of the ladybug?

 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.

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. - See more at:  

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. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

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. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

Why are ladybugs considered a "beneficial" insect?

 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.