A Ladybug's Meal

Ladybugs are a gardener's best friend because ladybug larvae and adults eat garden pests like mealybugs, mites, and most especially, aphids (see above picture). Aphids are insects that have special mouth parts for ripping and sucking the sap from plants. Many aphids transfer viruses from plant to plant as they feed. Ladybug larvae can eat about 25 aphids a day; adults can eat over 50.