Melissa Stewart - Zoom in on Ladybugs

Take a Close Look!

Have you ever seen a ladybug up close? What does it look like? How does it eat? What is its life cycle? When you check out the "Zoom Bubbles" on every spread of this book, you will get an up-close peek at this insect's body, eyes, antennae, wings, and more!

"THIS SERIES IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE INSECT WORLD, HIGHLIGHTING APPEALING AND FAMILIAR EXAMPLES."

"YOUNG READERS WHO LIKE FLYING AND CRAWLING INSECTS WILL LOVE THESE INFORMATION-PACKED BOOKS!"

About the Author

Trained as both a scientist and journalist, Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for young readers. While gathering information for her books, Melissa has explored tropical forests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, and swum with sea lions in the Galpagos Islands.

antennae (an TEN ee)Two thin body parts on the head of insects and some other animals. Antennae help animals sense the world around them.

larva (LAHR vuh)The second part in the life cycle of some insects. A larva changes into a pupa.

prey (PRAY)An animal that is hunted for food.

pupa (PYOO puh)The third part in the life cycle of some insects. A pupa changes into an adult.

Have you ever seen a ladybug? They live in fields and woodlands all over the world.

In places where the winters are cold, they gather in large groups. They rest under rocks or rotting logs.

A ladybug is an insect. An insect has six legs. And its body has three main parts.

An insects head is in the front. The thorax is in the middle. The abdomen is the part at the back.

Can you see this ladybugs eyes? They are black, so they blend in with its head.

The two big eyes dont see very well. They can tell if it is day or night. But they cant see a clear picture of the world.

A ladybug has two short antennae on its head. They can smell prey. They can also feel and taste.

Some ladybugs munch on plants. But most eat small critters. They chow down on small insects, worms, mites, and more.

A ladybug has two sets of wings. The hard outer wings protect the soft inner wings.

When a ladybug is ready to fly, it lifts the outer wings. Then it spreads the inner wings and takes off. The inner wings flap through the air.

A ladybug has six legs. They are attached to the middle of its body.

When an enemy attacks, a bad-tasting gel oozes out of the ladybugs legs. Yuck! The gross goo makes most attackers spit out their meal.

Ladybugs come in different colors. Many have red outer wings with black dots. The head and thorax are black with white spots.

The insects bright colors send out a message. They say, Stay away! I taste bad.

Does this ladybug larva look like its parents? No way! First it eats its eggshell. Then it hunts for aphids and other prey.

After about three weeks, the larva looks for a safe place. It sheds its skin and becomes a pupa.