Ladybug larvea

Description:

Ladybug larvae look somewhat like tiny alligators, with elongate bodies and bumpy exoskeletons. In many species, the ladybug larvae are black with brightly colored spots or bands. In the larval stage, ladybugs feed voraciously. A single larva can consume dozens of aphids per day. Larvae feed on other soft-bodied plant pests as well, including scale insects, adelgids, mites, and insect eggs. Ladybug larvae don't discriminate when feeding, and will sometimes eat ladybug eggs, too. The newly hatched larva is in its first instar. It feeds until it grows too big for its cuticle, at which time it will molt. After molting, the larva is in the second instar. Ladybug larvae usually molt through four instars, or larval stages, before preparing to pupate. The larva will attach itself to a leaf or other surface when it is ready to pupate.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard.