Classification Kingdom: Animalia (Animals) Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods) Subphylum: Hexapoda (Hexapods) Class: Insecta (Insects) Order: Coleoptera (Beetles) Suborder: Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Long-horned, Leaf and Snout Beetles) superfamily: Cucujoidea (Sap, Bark, Fungus and Lady Beetles) Family: Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles) Subfamily: Coccinellinae Genus: Coccinella Species: novemnotata (Nine-spotted Lady Beetle) (3.)
Ladybug Life-cycle
1. Eggs Female ladybugs lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves, this protects them from the oversight of the bird and other predators. Females ladybugs can lay 10-15 eggs at once. Normally the eggs are laid near a food source like aphids, or mites. (7.)
2.Larvae After eggs hatch Larvae will be looking for food to eat, since the mother has found a perfect leaf to lay her eggs the ladybug larvae should have no problem finding some aphids or mites to eat. Soon they will begin to molt, they will continue this for the rest of their life.(7.)
3. Pupa After a few weeks the larvae will turn into something similar to a shrimp. It will then attach itself to a leaf and begin the metamorphosis to becoming a Ladybug.(7.)
4. Adult Ladybug When metamorphosis is complete the new adult will split through the skin of the larvae and begin letting its shell dry, drying not only hardens the shell it also is what gives the shell its color or pigment. They're diet consists of other insects as they are commonly known as "The Gardeners Best-friend." Aphids and mites are the main source of food but other small insects are also prey for the ladybugs. (7.)