Finally, the adult beetles appear by tearing the pupal skin. During September and October they will look for a hibernation place. Ladybirds prefer outside walls, window frames or bark crevices.
Adalia bipunctata is a native ladybird which can be found all over Europe. It finds its way in a pretty extensive range of living areas and feeds on different aphid species.
The Ladybird is a regular visitor of vegetable gardens, fields and flowerbeds.
Please ensure no ants are present in the area where the ladybirds are going to be placed as it will severely reduce the efficiency , Insect Barrier Glue or glue bands may be used to stop ants crawling up plants and trees.
Biological Control
Adult Ladybirds
Ladybirds will seek aphids immediately. Ensure you have an aphid problem before ordering so that the larvae will survive.
An adult ladybird lays 20 to 50 eggs a day. The eggs are a yellowish, orange-like colour. The duration of the hatching normally takes 4 to 8 days depending on the climate. After the hatching, the larvae will seek aphids immediately.
Once in the fourth larval stage, the larva stops eating and pupates. During pupation, which takes approximately 8 days, the ladybird stops eating for a few days and stays inactive.