Live Ladybugs

Regular price $13.95 Sale

Size

TARGET PESTS:
Aphids, Moth Eggs, Mites, Scale, Thrips, Leaf Hoppers, Mealybugs, Whitefly other soft-bodied insects.

DESCRIPTION:
Ladybugs are general predators that feed on a variety of slow-moving insects, but they are best known for feeding on aphids. During the adult and larval stages it is a predator. Adults are shiny, hemispherical beetles, often reddish-orange or yellow, with black markings. Larvae are black, with conspicuous legs and orange spots on their backs. They move from plant to plant on leaves. Larvae pupate on the upper leaf surfaces, plant stems and twigs. Eggs are yellowish-orange ovals, laid on end in clusters of 10 to 50.

PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Convergent ladybird beetles (Hippodamia convergens) are shipped as adults in containers, cloth, and mesh bags. Storing the beetles can be done at a temperature of 40 to 60°F for 1 - 3 weeks. Ideally ladybugs should be released in the evening or very early morning when it is cool or overcast so they move more slowly. In order to improve performance, mist foliage beforehand. Ladybug beetles can begin reproducing immediately with ample food and moisture. Several generations may occur during one season.

Hippodamia convergens are collected from over-wintering sites instead of insectaries (it is not cost effective to rear Ladybugs in insectaries due to the amount and cost of food it would take to produce an adult Ladybug). Aggregations are formed in mountain canyons after the beetles have migrated from valley feeding areas. They are refrigerated until sold. Some researchers and many users have observed immediate and substantial predation and egg laying upon release.

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS:
Pesticides and even wetting agents and spreader-stickers may adversely affect ladybugs survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic to ladybugs.