Seven-Spot Ladybird Eggs against Aphids

Ladybird larvae – an effective beneficial insect against aphids

Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata) are among the natural predators of aphids. But did you know that this applies not only to the adult beetles but also to their larvae? Freshly hatched, they are extremely voracious and feed exclusively on these tiny pests. All kinds of green, black, grey and red aphids are on their menu. During their development from egg to beetle, which takes about 2 weeks, each ladybird larva eats up to 150 aphids a day – adults up to 50 aphids a day. Over its entire lifetime (approx. 25–30 days), each individual ladybird can devour up to 4,000 aphids.

With this healthy appetite, these small insects are ideal for purely biological, effective pest control. On vegetables in particular, the ladybird proves to be a useful aphid hunter because, unlike chemical insecticides, it leaves no harmful residues on the plants or fruit. A true lucky beetle, often used specifically against aphids on indoor plants, in greenhouses and outdoors.

Appearance of ladybird eggs, larvae and adult beetles

The eggs of the seven-spot ladybird are orange, oval and usually less than 2 mm long. Each female can lay up to 800 eggs at once, placing them close to abundant aphid colonies. The larvae hatch after just a few days. With their elongated body, six legs and black-grey colouring with yellow or orange spots, they initially look rather spider-like and are barely 3 mm long, but over the next two weeks (after several moults) they can grow to up to 9 mm in length.

After hatching, you will find the larvae mainly on the undersides of the leaves, where they crawl around and immediately start hunting aphids. The pupal phase then lasts up to 10 days. Adult beetles are 5–9 mm long and can be recognised by the typical seven black spots on their red wing cases that give them their name. It is often wrongly claimed that each spot stands for one year of the ladybird's life, but in fact it lives for a maximum of one month in total.

Ladybird larvae: benefits at a glance

• 🐞 Biological pest control: Ladybirds are beneficial insects and therefore the most natural way to control pests.
• 🐞 Non-toxic: Thanks to natural pest control, no chemical poisons are needed.
• 🐞 Efficient: A single ladybird larva eats up to 800 aphids during its 2-week development.
• 🐞 Universal use: From indoor plants to fruit trees, ladybird eggs are suitable for all plants.
• 🐞 Easy to use: Simply place the eggs on the affected plant according to the instructions.

Delivery and application

The ladybird eggs are supplied as egg clutches on cardboard. One pack contains approx. 80–100 eggs. They should be put out as soon as possible after arrival, in the evening or the next morning, to protect them from direct sunlight. If there is a short wait before application, you can store the eggs in the refrigerator at 10°C – but for one day at most. To bridge a longer period after hatching, you can also keep the ladybird larvae for a few days in a suitable organic container and supply them with sufficient aphids until you can release them on the infested plants.

Ideal conditions for ladybird larvae

• 🐞 Temperature: The ambient temperature should be above 15°C for several hours a day so that the larvae become active.
• 🐞 Timing: Outdoors, the ideal time for application is from May/June. Indoors, in conservatories and in greenhouses, ladybird eggs can be used all year round.
• 🐞 Weather: You will achieve the best results on plants that are protected from strong wind or rain.
• 🐞 Enemies: Ants should be removed as far as possible before using ladybird larvae, as they actively protect their aphid colonies from predators. Also note that in open areas the larvae can serve as a food source for birds and other insectivores.

Using ladybird larvae in 3 simple steps:

1. 1️⃣ Only open the packaging immediately before you want to put out the ladybird eggs. Carefully remove the cardboard strips from the container.
2. 2️⃣ Place the cardboard strips with the eggs in suitable, shady spots in or directly under your infested plants. The larvae hatch after 4–5 days and then climb the plant on their own.
3. 3️⃣ You should notice a clear difference after just one week. If aphids can still be found after 2–3 weeks on very heavily infested plants or under unfavourable environmental conditions, you can also put out another batch of ladybird larvae.

Further information on the use and effect of seven-spot ladybirds can be found in our instructions (German).