Just Ladybugs...

We've had an amazing ladybug season so far.  Not only have we been blessed to have many hands on opportunities, we've been able to capture some 'just' moments on camera....

Just hatched~

Thanks to Ava and her keen eyesight we were able to see this little guy, who is teeny tiny.   He must be new to the larva stage.  He'll continue to grow and eat (a lot) for about 20ish days.

Just pupated ~

This scene was witnessed in our "ladybug home".  It was fascinating to watch the pupa push-ups this guy was engaged in.  (if anyone know what or why they do that, let us know)  Within an average of about 5 hours he will complete his metamorphose into pupa and be a dark orange- red color with spots, and stay in his pupa stage for about a week.  Something like this guy from last year...

Just emerged...

She was found just after she became an adult ladybug.  Isn't she striking?  (Does anyone know why they stay with their pupa shell for so long? )  In about 49 minutes you could see her spots start to appear...

  

Just flying...

Here I was lucky enough to catch one of our little friends just as she lifted her shell to open her wings.  Stunning.

I'm so grateful for our experiences.  We've all learned more this year than we knew last year.  We plan to enjoy the time we have left with our ladybugs this season,  just a few more weeks.