What do you get when you have:
this...
that...
...and those?
These!
I went out in the garden and discovered little yellow eggs on a dill plant. After returning indoors I felt something crawling on my arm...it was the above creature. Upon returning outside I spotted many sets of ladybug eggs and more than 50 nymphs all over the dill. (Click the photo and you can count a few.)
I must be getting more aware of what is in the garden, because I cannot recall seeing the running of the nymphs in the past.
These little guys will eat a huge share of aphids in the garden at this stage (something like 500) any many more as adults (another 4500)...yippee. They also eat other pests when there are no aphids.
I spotted some with yellow legs, some with black legs, and even one that was mostly white.
These can sure look a little scary, but they are very good...I am glad I can witness them in our garden. For the next few weeks I will closely watch these and see if I can catch some in the pupal stage before becoming adults (eggs hatch in 1/2-1 week, nymphs/larva last 2-4 weeks, pupa last 1 week, and adults last 2-3 months).
13 comments:
It's great to see your aphid control system is in good working order. I'll have to check my garden to see how many ladybug nymphs I can find.
Nature's built in pesticide is working great in your garden Chris! I'm always happy when I see ladybugs. They are on my climbing rose at the moment and I haven't had any issues with aphids this year on it so far!
Chris I adore coming to visit you....I love the photos, the simplicity of your posts informs but does not bore.....
You have a wonderful space, full of beautiful blooms and special little creatures, proving that man and nature can work together.....
Northern Shade, I am happy the garden seems to be in good health. This is the first time I really noticed the nymphs, so either I never looked or the space has improved.
Hi Perennial Gardener...It's great when we can let the nature take it's course and still enjoy our spaces. This should be good for the garden next year too. Good to hear your rose has some protectors!
Thank-you very much Cheryl! Now that I take a closer look, I notice more things here in our little space. It's not a coincidence that what is good for them is good for us.
I love visiting (virtually) all the gardens in different locations, including yours, and seeing how many others want to work in harmony. I learn a lot from each person out there.
Please visit my blog for a surprise!
So are these the buggers that are eating the leaves on my hostas?!?!?!?
Hi Beth...I'm not an expert, but ladybug nymphs usually don't eat the plants - they're the good guys. Aphids suck the juices from the plants, so they don't chew holes directly.
I have heard (read on some blogs) that slugs can be a problem for hosta leaves.
Dear Chris,
I enjoy coming and visiting you.
I learned so much this morning. Thank you!
Your photos are beautiful too!
Sherry
You're welcome...I learn a lot from everyone else, so it's nice to share once-in-a-while.
That is really cool. I have never noticed those in my garden. I see the lady bugs but not the nymphs. I will have to keep looking for them.
If you find eggs, you have a good chance to find them...For me it was coincidence (one was on my arm in the house). Mine were on dill plants..and they like to be near the aphids...food!
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