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Lady Bugs Research Paper

Decent Essays

The ladybug is probably one of the most widely known insects throughout the United States. But did you know ladybugs practice cannibalism? Lady bugs seem basic but they are actually very interesting. There are 5000 different types of ladybugs. Lady bugs are one of the most beneficial insects. In this essay there are some new things you might learn about lady bugs.
Lady bugs, or as known in the scientific world, coccinellidae, can range from about 2 to 10 mm in size, depending on species. Their lifespan is about 2-3 years, also depending on species. The bright red/ orange coloration of lady bugs are one of the most distinctive characteristics of this bug. This coloration signals to its predators that the bug is poisonous. Which it is. Ladybugs blood has a chemical that causes its predator to have a foul taste while digesting. Also, while the ladybug is feeling threatened by a predator it releases blood from its knees. A lady bugs habitat can vary from …show more content…

The predators of a ladybug can range from birds to fellow insects to sometimes even young, clueless children. Insects such as dragonflies, assassin bugs, wasps or ants can consume ladybugs. Other predators include tree frogs, anoles, parasites, fungi and mites. All of these predators can eat ladybugs, but often they will eat them very few times because, when eaten, they leave a terrible taste. This is one way that the ladybug defends himself. While ladybugs have a variety of predators they also have a list of prey they like to snack on. Ladybugs are can be known as a gardners best friend because their diet can consist of small plant killers like whiteflies, mites, cabbage moths and mealybugs, which by themselves can be harmless but in large numbers can destroy a garden. That’s why a ladybug can be considered not only beneficial but essential to have a thriving garden. While ladybugs can eat garden pests they can be considered omnivorous and eat plants and leaves as

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