Ladybird larva eating aphid

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SS2118468

SA5698

Ladybird larva eating aphid. Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a ladybird larva (Coccinella sp., orange) feeding on an aphid (pale green). The larva is holding the aphid in its jaws. Ladybird larvae and adults are voracious eaters, consuming large quantities of aphids as their favored food. They are encouraged by gardeners as aphids are serious pests of flowers, vegetables and some fruit trees. The larvae feed for about three weeks after which time they pupate and metamorphose into the familiar adult beetles. Magnification: x15 at 6x7cm size.

Volker Steger / Science Source

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