© Nizam Akanjee
The ladybug life cycle starts with mom and dad ladybug mating. The ladybugs pictured to the right are mating. Ladybugs reproduce sexually. Each species of ladybug has its own pheromones for attracting a mate. When they find each other, the male grips the female from behind and holds on tight. They can copulate (stay together) for more than 2 hours at a time. Female ladybugs can store a male's sperm for 2-3 months before laying eggs. Ladybugs tend to lay their eggs where food is abundant.
