ladybird larvae

[Mrs Ava]

Just goes to show how sometimes, not blasting chemicals everywhere can work. (I am not being all organic and smarmy by the way, needs must and rather use sprays than loose a whole crop!)   Whilst I have been weeding and harvesting over the last few weeks I have seen lots and lots of ladybirds on the plot, and now, this last 2 weeks, I have seen loads and loads of ladybird larvae.  I do have a touch of blackfly on my runners, but that seems to have gotten better and there is now only a tiny patch, but other than that, not an aphid anywhere.  And for as long as everyone else on the site keeps using slug pellets, I shall remain a slug and snail free zone!  ;D

[Mrs Ava]

[gavin]

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa ---- but lady bird larvae looked like something to be squashed on sight!  And I used to ???  - have a look on http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ or http://www.uksafari.com/ladybirds.htm for what they look like ---- AND DO NOT SQUASH THEM!!!!  :)

All best - Gavin

[tim]

You? - of all people, Gavin!! But honest. = Tim

[gavin]

Yup, me!  Well - they are large, ugly, and a revolting colour;  I only saw one for the first time a couple of years ago.  I still find it amazing that such a monster can turn into a ladybird.  Anyway -----

Squash then identify?  Wrong way round - naughty, naughty! :( :( :(

Identify then possibly squash?  Fine!  :) ;D

All best - Gavin

[tim]

And if you want proof of what Gavin means, check out http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_beetles/Slimline.htm  = Tim

PS Sorry about the naughty bits!

[Dorothy]

Hello,

I'm a newbie and still finding my way about these boards.... :-[

I've checked out the sites that have been mentioned and am amazed to find how ugly the Ladybird larvae are when they can turn into such lovely beetles.  

[tim]

Kiss the frog?? = Tim

[Doris_Pinks]

You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your Prince Tim!

[Jesse]

Very pleased to see the pictures. I have lots of ladybirds in the garden but have never seen or looked out for the larvae and if I had I would have probably squished it thinking it was a nasty. In future I shall find out what something is before attempting to squish it.