The larval stage of the common seven-spotted ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata, feeding on green aphids, Myzus persicae, on the underside of a stinging nettle leaf Urtica dioica. Ladybird larvae and adults, are voracious eaters, consuming aphids as their favoured food. They are encouraged by gardeners since aphids are serious pests of flowers, vegetables and some fruit trees. Ladybird eggs hatch after about one week. The larvae are pale yellow at first, but after successive moults the skin darkens and the spots on their back turn from white to orange. They feed for about three weeks after which they pupate. Ladybirds are beetles.