Breeding ladybugs: grow larvae yourself

With our tips you can observe the development of the ladybug from larva to adult ladybug. The little lucky charms then fly through your garden. We show you how to breed ladybugs yourself.

Ladybug in the garden

Approx. 70 different species of ladybugs. For gardeners, these serve a special purpose. The little beetles love aphids and spider mites. A single beetle eats over 100 lice a day. For this reason, many gardeners ask themselves whether they can breed ladybugs to protect them from pests.

The vivarium

The vivarium is the focus of rearing. You can choose to build the living space yourself or buy a finished product. Independent construction is possible with the following materials:

• Glass (capacity min. 1 liter)
• Insect net
• Ladybug
• Plants and aphids
• Elastic band
• Kitchen paper

Breeding ladybugs - instructions

If you want to breed ladybugs to larva step by step, you can use the following instructions. It is equally exciting for children and adults to observe the development from small larvae to fully grown insects.

The preparation

First of all, prepare the place of residence for the insects. At a self-made insect oasis, take the glass and lay out the floor. With folded crepe paper, you ensure that a little moisture always stays inside the glass.

Note: The preparation for rearing insects should be done in spring. March and April are suitable months.

The assembly

To populate the vivarium, you will need three things: aphids, plants and ladybugs. The lice multiply very strongly in spring. Infested parts of plants are often found in the home or the surrounding area. Take the leaves and put them in the glass. The beetles can be found near foliage and dense undergrowth. Be sure to carefully place both male and female specimens in the jar.

Note: As an alternative, you can collect the insect larvae from leaves or tree trunks from May onwards.

The closing

In the next step you can close the jar. Use the insect net for this, which you attach with a rubber band. In this way you prevent the beetles from escaping again and also ensure the air supply.

Tip: The location should be warm. Direct exposure to the sun is not recommended.

The grooming

The insects in the glass need food. Make sure that you regularly add lice infested parts of the plant to the jar. In addition, it is necessary to moisten the insect oasis in order to offer the beetles optimal living conditions.

The wait

Following mating, the female lays eggs on the plant leaves. The larvae hatch within the next 5-8 days. They pupate 1-2 months later. During the development into a pupa, the larva sheds its skin several times. The growth is uneven. Then the ladybugs hatch and you can put them out in the garden. The development time depends on the humidity and temperature in the glass. A few hours after hatching, the beetles acquire their typical color.

Note: After the insect larvae hatch, the need for food increases. Provide them with enough aphids, otherwise they will eat each other.

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