Lifecycle The Ladybird life cycle is similar in many species, the adults overwinter often in large groups in any place they can find that is dry and if possible out of the wind. Breeding generally begins in May, but is dependant on the weather, and in most cases the presence of food. Many of the carnivorous species lay their eggs near aphids, ensuring their young a supply of food . The larvae when small are often smaller than the aphids they are eating and it is not uncommon to see a large aphid carrying a small Ladybird larva around on tis back. A 7 Spot Ladybird larva will consume more than 300 aphids before it pupates.
Emergence generally occurs after about one week depending on temperature.
The pupal skin splits along the back and the adult climbs out, then rests while expanding and drying its wings. The elytra are a pale yellowy-orange at this stage but soon brighten up after a few hours or days. The new adults then feed for a few weeks before dispersing and finding an overwintering site. The History of the Ladybird . Ladybirds HarperCollins publishing, London, Sydney, Toronto, etc.