Larvae (Fungus Eating Ladybird)

Description:

Larvae of Fungus Eating Ladybird about 8mm long seen feeding on black mould on grapefruit tree leaves. When they have finished growing they turn into a pupae (a sort of chrysalis) which is stuck to a leaf by its rear end. Eventually the pupa emerges to become a colourful yellow and black ladybird in the adult reproductive stage of the lifecycle. See spotting http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/172...

Habitat:

Spotted on grapefruit tree in garden

Notes:

They can also be found grazing on mildew fungus caused by warm days and cooler nights causing dew and condensation on leaves giving rise to the mildew found on susceptable plants such as courgettes, pumpkins etc growing in the vegetable garden. Also see larvae spotting http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/169...