Before this gorgeous celebratory staple crowds supermarkets and nurseries in anticipation of the holidays, let’s give you a low-down on all that’s special about the Christmas cactus and uncover the secrets that give it so much character!
23.08.2024 - 20:37 / treehugger.com
Ladybugs, or lady beetles, are insects in the beetle family. There are about 5,000 species of these tiny insects, and most of them are quite helpful. Although best known as a red insect with black spots, ladybugs come in a variety of colors, and some have stripes or no markings at all.
These little hard-shelled creatures are harmless to humans and helpful to gardeners. From their hidden wings to their talent for warding off predators, discover fascinating facts about the lovable ladybug.
These small insects are more accuratelycalled lady beetles or ladybird beetles. Ladybug is the American name given to the Coccinellidae family of beetles. Bugs have needle-like mouthparts and a mostly liquid diet, while beetles can chew and enjoy munching on plants and insects.
Beetles also have hard wings, while bugs have softer wings or no wings at all. Beetles go through a complete metamorphosis, while bugs look about the same throughout their entire life cycle.
Though most people think of ladybugs as red with black spots, not all species of ladybugs look like that. There are about 5,000 species of ladybugs in the world, including 450 in North America.In addition to red, they can also be yellow, orange, brown, pink, or even all black. Their spots, which some ladybugs don't have at all, can look more like stripes.
Ladybugs earn their place as a desirable insect based on their preferred diet of plant-damaging insects, including aphids. Ladybugs lay hundreds of eggs in aphid colonies, and as soon as they hatch, the larvae immediately start feeding. An adult ladybug may eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.
These beneficial insects also eat fruit flies, thrips, and mites. Different species of ladybugs have different food
Before this gorgeous celebratory staple crowds supermarkets and nurseries in anticipation of the holidays, let’s give you a low-down on all that’s special about the Christmas cactus and uncover the secrets that give it so much character!
It’s not your imagination—fall and Halloween hype is starting earlier than ever this year.
Catalpa trees, with two species native to the United States, are known for their beautiful and plentiful blooms and for being the sole source of food for catalpa worms—caterpillars that strip the tree of its foliage and eventually become the catalpa sphinx moth.
Some shade is essential in warmer zones, but even in the North, Virginia persicaria (P. virginiana) appreciates afternoon shade and wind protection.
Got pests? Encourage native ladybugs to inhabit your garden instead of buying wild-harvested ladybugs to manage unwanted insects. Purchased ladybugs are expensive and potentially disease-carrying, threatening native bug species already living in your garden and the surrounding area. Your best bet is to attract and encourage native ladybugs to thrive and flourish, which will responsibly deter unwanted pests.
Cuttings are a popular and accessible way to propagate your plants. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, making your own cuttings can be highly satisfying. In this article, we'll explore the world of plant cuttings and provide practical tips on how to take cuttings from various plant species such as the pancake plant, hydrangea, monstera, and orchid. We'll answer frequently asked questions and share useful tools to make the process easier.
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The sunflower, known for its striking yellow bloom and impressive height, is a favourite plant in many gardens. Originally from North and South America, the sunflower has gained symbolic meaning over the years, often associated with sunshine, happiness, and loyalty. Caring for this beautiful plant is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure your sunflower grows and blooms optimally.
Vicks vaporub is a popular household name manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company. It is quite effective in clearing out the nasal passages thanks to its camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil content. However, its uses are not limited to this, and there are a few Vicks VapoRub Uses in the Garden, too! Let’s have a look!
These brownish-yellow protective layers of rice grains are a natural, toxin-free help in your garden. Our guide will help you uncover their uses and make the most of them.
Most fruits have seeds lodged deep within their fleshy innards. But Mother Nature loves her exceptions! Read on to learn about those peculiar fruits that appear to have seeds on the outside.
Turning a house into a home can be expensive, taxing, and, worst of all, disappointing. Nothing stings quite like doing research, trying things out, and ending up spending a lot of money on a big home purchase that doesn’t live up to your hopes.