harlequin lady bug lava

Unbeleivably this turns into a lady bird

Nice shot. I have yet to come across one of these, but it is an amazing transformation

Lovely capture. I have many shots but not any decent ones.

BasAndrews wrote in post #16989868
Lovely capture. I have many shots but not any decent ones.

I have many shots and only this one thats decent

Lovely shot! I hope to catch one of these someday.

Good shot.

They shed their skins a few times too before entering the pupa stage. I find ladybird lavae in abundance on patches of stinging nettles, why stinging nettles I don't know.

Worcester Lad wrote in post #16990160
Good shot.

They shed their skins a few times too before entering the pupa stage. I find ladybird lavae in abundance on patches of stinging nettles, why stinging nettles I don't know.

Food and protection

http://www.nettles.org​.uk/nettles/wildlife.a​sp


This may seem strange given the stinging power of the nettle but it is the presence of the stings that has allowed the relationship with numerous insect species to develop. The stinging hairs of the nettle developed as a defence against grazing animals. So effective are they that few grazers , with the exception of goats and hungry sheep, will touch nettles when the stings are active. This makes the ideal habitat for insects as there is little danger of the adult insects or larvae ending up in the stomach of a cow! Insects can also move between the spines without activating the sting.

The most notable nettle patch inhabitants are the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterfly larvae which feed in large groups hidden in silken tents at the top of the nettle stems.

Many nettle patches hold overwintering aphids which swarm around the fresh spring growth and provide an early food source for ladybirds. These same aphids are eaten in large numbers by blue tits and other woodland birds agile enough to dart around the stems.

Long live the nettle!

nice shot.yes,and I find many tiny weevils in the nettle also.

Lovely capture
Brian v.