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Project Noah Nature School
Harmonia axyridis
This Ladybug is changing from a larva into a pupa. The video shows it flexing while it's still mobile and active although it's firmly attached to the Lantana leaf.
Creeping Lantana in backyard
The double-branched spines of the shed larval skin are still visible at the rear of the pupa; the only lady beetle larva with double-branched spines in North America is Harmonia axyridis. This is the only lady beetle species I know that can be identified to species from egg hatch to adult, including all larval instars and the pupa. I love the video!
Thanks again. Luck my friend! There are 7 on this bush in various phases. I was walking inside after a slow spotting day and the movement caught my eye.
Well, it's the pupal stage now, so "ladybug pupa" sounds appropriate. Seriously, your timing on this one was incredible.
Thank you Goody! I was struggling with what I should have as the common name. I finally settled on Ladybug Pupate. Thoughts?
Spotted on Mar 10, 2012
Submitted on Mar 10, 2012
