Spring is obviously a mating time for many animals, especially for the
insects. Today I have seen a mating 17-spot Harlequin ladybird. The Harlequin
ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is also
known as Asian ladybeetle or Halloween ladybeetle and belongs to the family Coccinellidae. The Harlequin ladybird is
native to Asia, but currently is spread to all continents, with the exception
of Australia and Antarctica.
In Europe, from October until February the ladybirds hibernate, usually
in large groups. In March-April they become active and search for the food e.g.
aphids. May is a mating time for the ladybirds. After the mating, the ladybirds
lay eggs, from which the larvae are hatched (June-July). The larva will change
the skin 4 times. Afterwards, the larva will attach to a leaf or a stem and
turn into a pupa. In August, an adult ladybird will develop from the pupa.
Interestingly, the larvae of the Harlequin
ladybird can eat up to 370 aphids, whereas the adult
forms can eat even 5,000 aphids during their lives!
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