Info request plse: bug/larvae poss ladybird sequence

[LindaB]

Firstly, I would like to thank the moderator who kindly put my images in the correct photography section enabling me to link them here. So, on with the question.

A friend has suggested what is happening here, but would like it clarified please (possibly one for Paul).

First image is a pic of a bug (larvae?) taken on Tuesday.
Next images taken on Wednesday are of that 'bug' being eaten by what looks like a ladybird, but its a creamy colour - I am not terribly familiar with the stages of ladybirds at the moment.

I flicked the beetle thing off, but if its what was suggested to me, I did the wrong thing and it was too late anyway.

Thanks.
Linda

[Lance Morgan]

Looks like a lady bird emerging from its pupa. Possibly newly emerged lady bird has not developed colour yet.

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, the top, first picture is a ladybird pupa - inside which the ladybird larva is rearranging itself to become an imago (adult). The last picture is the shed pupal skin (exuvium) and in between you have the ladybird emerging (eclosing). It's probably a 10-spot, Adalia decempunctata.
When ladybirds first eclose they are soft and colourless - it takes 12-48 hours for colours to develop and the body to harden up ....
So, you should have left it alone but let's hope it crawled off somewhere safely.

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

Looks like a lady bird emerging from its pupa. Possibly newly emerged lady bird has not developed colour yet.

Thanks Lance, that ties in with what my friend said, he also said that they then eat the 'casing' (for want of a better word) so as not to waste the protein contained therein?

If this is what is happening, at least I will know in the future not to flick it off

Linda

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes, the top, first picture is a ladybird pupa - inside which the ladybird larva is rearranging itself to become an imago (adult). The last picture is the shed pupal skin (exuvium) and in between you have the ladybird emerging (eclosing). It's probably a 10-spot, Adalia decempunctata.
When ladybirds first eclose they are soft and colourless - it takes 12-48 hours for colours to develop and the body to harden up ....
So, you should have left it alone but let's hope it crawled off somewhere safely.

Thanks very much Paul (and Lance of course). I shall know in the future not to interfere (and save that information for references purposes.

It fell into my azalea plant below so it should have been ok.

Appreciate your replies - thank you

Linda

[Lance Morgan]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes, the top, first picture is a ladybird pupa - inside which the ladybird larva is rearranging itself to become an imago (adult). The last picture is the shed pupal skin (exuvium) and in between you have the ladybird emerging (eclosing). It's probably a 10-spot, Adalia decempunctata.
When ladybirds first eclose they are soft and colourless - it takes 12-48 hours for colours to develop and the body to harden up ....
So, you should have left it alone but let's hope it crawled off somewhere safely.

Tanks for the info Paul - I was'nt sure about the colouring and eating pupal shuck.