A larva of the insseven-spottedins ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata, feeding on an aphid. In the presence of other aphids the larva has bitten and holds a large aphid in its jaws. Ladybird larva and adults, are voracious eaters, consuming large quantities of aphids as their favoured food. They are encouraged by gardeners since aphids are serious pests of flowers, vegetables and some fruit trees. 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 time they pupate, metamorphosing into adult beetles.