Backyard Bushcraft - Apex Predator of the Insect World - Hippodamia Convergens
Saturday, May 26, 2012 13:23
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Ladybugs are one of the most commonly recognized of all the beneficial insects and are
considered an apex predator in the insect world. They have few natural enemies
other than the carpet beetle and have an excellent defense mechanism. They can
be a gardener’s best friend and an ally in controlling other insect
populations.
considered an apex predator in the insect world. They have few natural enemies
other than the carpet beetle and have an excellent defense mechanism. They can
be a gardener’s best friend and an ally in controlling other insect
populations.
Ladybugs have a voracious
appetite for aphids and will consume a large amount of aphids during their
lifetime. Ladybugs also eat a wide variety of other insects as well. They are
beneficial in controlling chinch bugs, whiteflies, mites and other soft-bodied
insects and larvae. This can help to reduce your reliance on chemical pest
control methods in the garden.
appetite for aphids and will consume a large amount of aphids during their
lifetime. Ladybugs also eat a wide variety of other insects as well. They are
beneficial in controlling chinch bugs, whiteflies, mites and other soft-bodied
insects and larvae. This can help to reduce your reliance on chemical pest
control methods in the garden.
Ladybugs also produce an
offensive odor for repelling predators through a process which is sometimes
called “reflexive bleeding”. They can actually exude small amounts of blood
which contains a toxic alkaloid. They are also brightly colored in a manner
that also helps to deter predators. There offensive smell normally doesn’t affect
humans.
offensive odor for repelling predators through a process which is sometimes
called “reflexive bleeding”. They can actually exude small amounts of blood
which contains a toxic alkaloid. They are also brightly colored in a manner
that also helps to deter predators. There offensive smell normally doesn’t affect
humans.
It’s also important to
remember that ladybugs do not feed on wooden structures or any type of stored
food products.
remember that ladybugs do not feed on wooden structures or any type of stored
food products.
Got ladybugs?
Riverwalker
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