Our yard and garden has been crawling with these tiny, alligator-y, black and orange critters.

Do you know what they are?

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How about this?

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How about now?

IMG_0865The first photo is the larval stage of the lady beetle.

The second pic shows the pupa of the same.

Of course, in the third shot, we all recognize the adult.

Just a reminder not to panic (or smoosh or spray) when you see the first or second phase of this incredible, beneficial insect! An adult can eat up to 2,500 aphids in its lifespan.  Nice.