Random photos of Springtime in Northern California

for your enjoyment...

Akebia quniata

Ladybug eggs next to aphids

Chard and mint

Turkey tail mushrooms

Golden Treasures of Spring

The golden, oval dots pictured above are ladybug eggs. This ladybug knew what she was doing! Laying her eggs right next to a food source (red aphids) is a choice place for the eggs to hatch. In 4-10 days these babies will find a real sweet meal!

The larval phase of the ladybug lifecycle is the most voracious feeding stage of all. Known to eat as many as 400 aphids before they pupate ladybug larvae (pictured below) do a fine job keeping aphids and other garden pests at bay.

2 Fun Facts about Ladybugs:

• In the lifetime of a single adult ladybug, over 5000 aphids will have been consumed.
• One ladybug can lay up to 1000 eggs in her lifetime.

 Thank you Gaia!

BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Planting insectary plants into the garden will bring these predators and pollinators to your gardens.  Eliminating pesticides and harmful chemicals is also necessary.

soldier beetle

hoverfly

ladybug

aphid mummy caused by parasitic wasp

crab spider

garden spider

butterfly

lacewing eggs

ladybug eggs next to aphids

ladybug larvae

ladybug