Adalia Box (Ladybird Larvae) Questions
How long will it take for my Adalia box to arrive?
We endeavour to dispatch your order on the chosen send out date. Sometimes there may be a slight delay as the kits are sent to us from overseas before we can forward them on to you.
From your order dispatch - delivery to the UK Mainland normally takes between 1-3 working days after send out. For orders that are being dispatched overseas, delivery can take 5-7 working days.
Does the Adalia box come with a guarantee?
Yes. We guarantee 10 adult ladybirds will emerge from 25 larvae.
If you have any issues please contact us asap and keep all of the kit including the larvae.
Can I release the ladybirds into nature?
Yes. There are a native species.
How long will the ladybird larva take to transform into adult ladybirds?
The process takes about 21 days
My Adalia kit has arrived but I am not sure how it works?
Once your kit arrives, cut out the lined section marked on the white paper and fold to make an accordion, and place in the bottom of the breeding tub. Empty the larvae and food onto the paper in the bottom and secure the lid, now all you need to do is sit back and observe!
The cycle is around 21 days in total and the larvae should be left undisturbed as much as possible during this time. Throughout the cycle the larvae will grow and shed multiple times, eventually becoming a nymph before emerging as a Ladybird. Please read the instruction guide for more details on the cycle so you know what to expect at each stage.
Should I provide food and water for my ladybird larvae?
No. Your ladybird larvae don't require water and they come with all the food they need to develop into adult ladybirds, it looks like sand!
Once your ladybirds have emerged from their pupae, you must feed them aphids if you wish to keep them for longer then 48hrs. They require approx. 20 each a day.
What are the black bits in the bottom of the tub?
The larvae will shed 3 times before turning to nymphs, the small black bits are the remnants of their skin!
Nothing is happening with the larvae?
The larvae go through different stages of development, each involves the shedding of their shell.
After three sheddings they will turn to nymphs and become immobile for around 8 days, before emerging as adult ladybirds. Sometimes you just need to be a little patient with them!
What colour are the ladybirds when they emerge?
The ladybirds can emerge as both red with black spots, or black with red spots.
How can I tell whether a ladybird is male or female?
It’s almost impossible to tell them apart, but females are usually bigger than males.
What species are the ladbybirds?
The ladybirds we send out are Adalia bipunctata.
They can be both red with black spots, or black with red spots.
How soon after hatching should I release the ladybirds?
We recommend you release the ladybirds within 48hrs as they will need to start feeding.
If you wish to keep them longer please have a plentiful source of aphids, they require approx. 20 each per day.
How long do ladybirds live?
Ladybirds can live outdoors for up to one year!
Are ladybirds beneficial insects?
Yes! Gardeners love ladybirds because they eat plant pests like aphids, white flies, mites, and scale insects.