Lesson XCIII

The Ladybird

Leading thought—The ladybird is a beetle. Its young are very different from the adult in appearance, and feed upon plant-lice.

Method—These little beetles are very common in autumn and may be brought to the schoolroom and passed around in vials for the children to observe. Their larvæ may be found on almost any plant infested with plant-lice. Plant and all may be brought into the schoolroom and the actions of the larvæ noted by the pupils during recess.

Observations—1. How large is the ladybird? What is its shape? Would two of them make a little globe if they were put flat sides together?

2. What colors do you find on your ladybird?

3. Do you see the ladybird’s head and antennæ? What is the broad shield directly back of the head called? How is it marked, and with what colors? What color are the wing-covers? Are there any spots upon them? How many? Does the ladybird use its wing-covers when it flies? Describe her true wings. Does she fold them beneath the wing-covers?

4. Note the legs and feet. Are the legs long? Are they fitted for running? To which part of the body are they attached?

5. If you disturb the ladybird how does she “play possum?” Describe how she makes her toilet.

The larva—1. Describe the ladybird larva. Does it look like its mother? What is its form? Is it warty and velvety or shiny?

2. Describe its head and jaws as far as you can see. How does it act when eating? Can you see its little stiff legs? Is there a claw at the end of each?

3. Describe the actions of the ladybird larva in attacking and eating the plant-lice. Does it shed its skin as it grows?

4. Watch a larva until it changes to a pupa. How does the pupa look? Can you see the shed skin? Where is it? To what is the pupa attached? When the pupa skin breaks open what comes out of it?

5. Why is the ladybird of great use to us? Write an English theme upon the ladybird, called Vedalia, which saved the orange orchards of California.