Ladybugs
Common species
Seven-spotted, two-spotted, thirteen-spotted, asian ladybird, hippodamia convergens, colleomegilla maculate.
Why they're helpful
Ladybugs are predators of pests such as aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, leafhoppers, whiteflies, and thirps.
Identification
Ladybug larvae are most helpful in predation and can be identified with black with red, white, or orange markings, and they resemble alligators in shape. Adult ladybugs have a rounder shape and a variety of colors and spot quantities.
How to attract
Ladybugs are attracted to a shallow souce of water to drink from with stones inside so they don't drown and low ground cover plants for shelter (i.e. oregano, thyme). Other plants such as cilantro, chives, marigolds, fennel, dill, and parsley can all attract ladybugs.You can prepare a wooden box with holes + sugar water/raisins to attract them as well.
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