Ladybug larvae as feeders?

[prairiepanda]

I'll be honest, I don't really know much about lady bugs. But I do know that they're very easy to breed, and their larvae start out quite small and can be grown to a range of sizes. They are also very easy to deal with because they move slowly. I've bred ladybugs a few times in the past, by accident, so I know it would be sustainable for small collections. However, I don't know if ladybug larvae would be safe feeders. Does anybody here know anything about them? I may ask an entomology prof...

 

[EulersK]

I'd research it a bit. Adult ladybugs can be toxic to some (small) organisms, and at the very least they smell HORRID when you crush them.

 

[prairiepanda]

I'd research it a bit. Adult ladybugs can be toxic to some (small) organisms, and at the very least they smell HORRID when you crush them.

Yes, I would definitely stay away from the adults. That smell is their blood, by the way they can sometimes use it as a defense mechanism. But why are you squishing ladybugs?

But I don't know whether larvae would be toxic, or if it might be able to put up a fight. They are predators, after all.

 

[EulersK]

But why are you squishing ladybugs?

When I was a kid and lived in Miami, the neighborhood had a small infestation. Found out that way lol

... or if it might be able to put up a fight. They are predators, after all

I wouldn't worry about that bit. They feed mostly on aphids, don't they? Plus, almost all insects can bite. Some roaches have a nasty bite, and those are a common feeder.

 

[Curious jay]

I suspect they won't be good for your T as when I've handled the larvae they've secreted some kind liquid tht I imaging would be toxic/ taste displeasure able.

 

[prairiepanda]

I suspect they won't be good for your T as when I've handled the larvae they've secreted some kind liquid tht I imaging would be toxic/ taste displeasure able.

Is it yellow? The yellow stuff the adults squirt when threatened is actually their haemolymph. If the larval haemolymph can be used the same way, I'd be concerned about its toxicity...

 

[Curious jay]

It's the same they secrete it from pores in their backs.

Simple google search yields good info:

http://www.ladybird-survey.org/enemies.aspx

 

[prairiepanda]

That website didn't work for me but I'll take your word that it's the same. I guess I'll keep looking for alternatives then...

 

[BaddestRuffest]

Just go for dubia or Turkistan roaches, they're useless at escaping the make no noise they don't smell and they are more nutritionally complete for your t than crickets or the like.

 

[prairiepanda]

Just go for dubia or Turkistan roaches, they're useless at escaping the make no noise they don't smell and they are more nutritionally complete for your t than crickets or the like.

Illegal in Canada Still looking for alternatives.