How well do you know the local wildlife? You are invited to meet the Wildlife Identification Challenge!
Can you identify these three insects using the MCCG Digital Field Guides for Ladybirds?
These are all larval phases of ladybird species that help to control aphids, mealybugs and powdery mildew respectively on garden plants. The mealybug ladybirds are especially interesting because they camouflage themselves to look like their prey, so be careful when spraying or picking mealybugs off your favourite plants – you could do more harm than good!
ANSWERS:
(Top photo) 28-spotted Ladybird (Epilachna virgintioctopunctata) – photo Ed Frazer
(Middle photo) Mealybug Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) – photo Ed Frazer
(Bottom photo) Fungus-eating Ladybird (Illeis galbula)- photo Ed Frazer
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