What are the spots on ladybugs for? If you think it’s to tell how old they are, then you don’t know much about this little beetle.
The ladybug is a INSECT very popular, but which still tends to be ultimately unknown. Its points, for example, have a use, but not the one that is often believed…
The ladybug, the friend of our gardens
Petit beetle which we frequently encounter in our gardens, the ladybug is, without a doubt, the iFavorite sect of young and old.
Perfect garden helpers, ladybugs are aphid eaters (it consumes nearly 5,000 during its life), the “God’s beast” is the gardener’s friend. She is also a friend of school teachers who use her with their students to recite nursery rhymes or learn to count thanks to her dots.
Ladybugs can have a few spots on their shell and up to twenty-four depending on the species. Quite often, we tend to think that the number of spots indicates theage of the ladybug. It’s as true as the number on the back of the glass in the canteen!
In reality, there is no relationship between the number of points and the number of years. And for good reason, a ladybug does not live more than three years.
As children, we all counted the dots on the back of a ladybug – © Gajus
Video – 7 Surprising Facts You Should Know About Ladybugs
What are the dots on ladybugs for?
The spots that we see on the shell of a ladybug are nevertheless very useful. They allow us to differentiate species ; and there are many of them: around 6,000 in the world. In France, we mainly find beetles with seven spots. Like all other ladybugs, they only breed with ladybugs that have the same number of spots on their shell as they do.
But the dots are not only used for the reproduction of different species of ladybugs. They repel predators thanks to the bright colors of the beetles which can have a red, orange or yellow shell.a bit like the gendarme, an insect also familiar in our gardens.
And if this defense tactic is not enough, the predator may remember its mishap when it wants to bite a ladybug again.
Fourteen-dropped baldness The ladybug with 14 points – © Riordie
Toxic and lucky
In fact, for animals, the ladybug is toxic. It releases alcohols that give it a very bitter taste. For humans, this substance is not dangerous. On the other hand, it is unpleasant because it smells bad.
Did you know ? When the ladybug emerges from its chrysalis, it has no spots. Its color and spots only appear a few hours later.
Finally, know that the beast of God would bring good luck. According to legend, in the Middle Ages, a ladybug that persisted in remaining on the head of a condemned man would have allowed him to be pardoned.
The Ladybug House
A ladybug hotel to place in your garden or on your balcony to attract and provide shelter for these small insects.
Also in the book, information about ladybugs, their life in the garden and their usefulness for plants, as well as advice on how to take care of the biodiversity around us.
Article updated
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Source: www.consoglobe.com
