Lady Bug (under construction)

This spotting is about a ladybug larvae entering the pupal stage. The larva goes through a process of transformation directed by special cells called "histoblasts". These cells control a biochemical process which breaks down the larval body and reforms it into the adult ladybug. The pupa attaches itself to a leaf and remains still while this process is ongoing. At the end of this process, the adult ladybug (imago) have soft exoskeletons; they are vulnerable to predators until the shell (cuticle) hardens. The pupal stage lasts 3-12 days