Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Ladybugs

We are now doing a study about Ladybugs!! We have researched everything about them. Their life cycle is a lot like a butterfly. My little "scientists" set out determined to find ladybugs. They not only found ladybugs, they found ladybug eggs!!! We took a picture of the eggs(A) a few days ago. When we went back to check on them, a larva was hatching(B).

A B

We put the larva (C,E) in a jar so we could watch it. During the larva stage, they molt or shed their exoskeleton 3-7 times, because their skin doesn't stretch as their bodies grow. We have watched this one molt twice already(D,F).

C D

Kali is very fascinated with them and has gone out every day to find Aphids to feed it so that we can keep watching it!! Hopefully we will get to watch it change into a pupa and then into a beautiful ladybug.
E F