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Aphis Ladybug (Image: mamba) |
There are two main types of ladybugs: herbivorous and carnivorous. Herbivorous ladybugs are quite rare, making up only about 1/5 of the population, and they are harmful to crops. In contrast, carnivorous ladybugs dominate, primarily preying on pests such as aphids, beetles, and leafhoppers.
The flower ladybug is one of the carnivorous types, measuring only about 6-7mm. It has an oval shape, a dome-shaped back, a black head with two light yellow stripes, a black thorax, and black legs with tiny hairs. Its hard wings are red or orange, adorned with 7 black spots, earning it the nickname “seven-spotted ladybug.” This ladybug is an excellent predator of aphids and has a strong preference for eating caterpillars, grain weevils, and vegetable pests. According to statistics, a single flower ladybug can consume 138 pests in a day. Therefore, they are often used as a natural solution for pest control.
