My Fair Lady's Bird Beetle

Classroom Aquaponics system infested with  Red Spider Mites

Red Spider Mites on tomato plant

 Our classroom aquaponics system has recently become infested with Red Spider Mites Tetranychus urticate.

Adult Spider Mite 450:1

Ladybird Beetle (Lady Bug) Coccinellidae  to the RESCUE!! 

Ladybird to the Rescue!

Coccinellidae eyes

Coccinellidae from Garden Center

Coccinellidae top of container

Coccinellidae 800X

Coccinellidae Anatomy

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Etymology

The name coccinellids is derived from the Latin word coccineus meaning "scarlet". The name "ladybird" originated in Britain where the insects became known as "Our Lady's bird" or the Lady beetle. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early paintings, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird (the most common in Europe) were said to symbolise her seven joys and seven sorrows. In the United States, the name was adapted to "ladybug". Common names in other European languages have the same association, for example, the German name Marienkäfer translates to Marybeetle.

Our Coccinellidae

Coccinellidae Life Cycle

Coccinellidae released

Coccinellidae released on aquaponics system covered in tulle

Video of Coccinellidae eating Tetranychus 

Symbol of the Dutch Foundation Against Senseless Violence