The ladybugs are one of the most abundant insects in the world, with its characteristic back red and black dots , which are actually a pair of wings hard. More than 4500 species have been recorded in various countries.
RECOMMENDED: What are the branches of biology
They are usually found on the lawn or on the stems of different flowers, being common in winter to take refuge in the cracks or in the trees, sheltering from the cold.
Their life cycle , which lasts up to one year , helps them reproduce and perpetuate their species, so it is quite normal to find them feeding without ceasing in the open air .
Its red color , although it is not the same in all species, serves to scare away potential predators , making them believe that they are poisonous.
RECOMMENDED: How long does a guinea pig live and how to extend its life
How ladybugs feed
Due to their places of appearance, you might think that these insects are herbivores, however, they are carnivores , which feed on other smaller insects.
In fact, the most popular species of ladybug came from North America , and it is common to use it for pest control , since it ingests a large number of these small insects, being its natural predator.
If they had to choose a food, this would undoubtedly be aphids.
RECOMMENDED: Differences between a camel and a dromedary
So much so, that a ladybug will search nearby for aphid nests to lay their eggs, so that the ladybug larvae can feed on them.
They not only eat insects, and the pollen of the flowers attracts them , going for their nectar. In particular, they seem to like coriander, geraniums and other flowers with an intense smell .
Curious is the case of Australian ladybugs / beetles , which do not feed on nectar or insects, but prefer the fungi that grow on the leaves , leaving them intact and feeding on said fungus only.
Cannibalism in ladybugs
Due to their great need to feed (a ladybug can be eating all day), if they do not find food nearby they can eat each other or the larvae of other ladybugs .
In the case of Asian ladybugs , which are more resistant and grow much faster than the other species, they were brought from that continent to end the ladybug pests , since in some cases, such as Epilachna varivestis , they can attack the crops spoiling crops, so they are still a pest that sometimes must be controlled.