A Guide to Ladybugs
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Did you know that there are thousands of ladybug species around the world? These little bugs are often seen in gardens, fields, and woodlands during summer and are well-loved for their pretty appearance. But there’s a lot more to learn about them, so let’s go on a journey into the fascinating world of ladybugs.
What are Ladybugs?
Most of us are familiar with ladybugs as they’re one of the more common critters we see in our gardens. There are around 6000 species of ladybug in the world, and more than 480 of these are found in North America.
While they are called ladybugs in North America, they’re referred to as ladybirds or lady beetles in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. In fact, the term lady beetle is more fitting as that is a much more apt description of these creatures. These insects are part of the Coccinellidae family and within the beetle order of Coleoptera.
But where did they get their name? Well, to understand this, we need to go back to the Middle Ages. At this time, paintings of the Virgin Mary often depicted her wearing red garments and, as such, the ladybug was dubbed the beetle of Our Lady.
There are certain features that set ladybugs firmly into their beetle group and this includes a brightly colored elytra (wingcase) which protect the insect, a round or oval body shape, a small to medium size, and the presence of a pronotum, among other traits.
Life Cycle
The lifecycle of the ladybug is not all that dissimilar to the butterfly in that it goes through the same stages and metamorphosis. In temperate regions, breeding usually takes place in late spring or early summer, but in warmer climates, it can occur at any time of the year.
Females will usually select a mate based on his color and size and, when she’s ready, he will deposit up to 14,000 sperm in sperm packets which she can then hold in her body. It is possible for females to hold up to 18,000 sperm which gives them the chance to mate with several males and be more selective.
Eggs
While the number of eggs can vary by species, females could lay up to 1000 eggs over the course of a few months. However, each clutch will usually contain up to 30 eggs. She lays these on a plant that will provide food for the larvae when they hatch.
Larvae
The ladybug larva looks remarkably like a tiny alligator that is usually around 0.24 inches (6 mm) in length. During this stage of life, the ladybug will feed as much as possible and will spend around two weeks doing this before attaching to a leaf, ready to pupate. While the larvae mainly feed on aphids, they’re not fussy and may also eat scale insects, mites, and even ladybug eggs.
Pupae
During the pupa phase, the ladybug starts to look a little more familiar and is typically red to orange in color with black spots but it still doesn’t have the appearance of an adult. It stays in this stage for between 7 and 15 days. Special cells, known as histoblasts, come into action here and cause the ladybug to undergo a metamorphosis, breaking down its body and turning it into an adult.
Adult
Adult ladybugs can live for up to one year, although many may die before this. During the adult stage, the beetle will primarily feed on aphids. After their metamorphosis is complete, they’re still not fully formed and have a soft outer shell which needs time to harden before it offers full protection. Moreover, the ladybug won’t have developed its bright colors right away and usually emerges a much paler shade of what it will eventually become.
Physical Characteristics
When most people think of a ladybug, they imagine a red insect with black spots, but this isn’t always the case. These critters can be orange, yellow, black, or even blue! Their spots may also come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors and are designed as a warning to predators. The color and number of spots are relative to the habitat in which the species is found, which is why there’s so much variation.
The spots, and the background on which they sit, create what’s known as aposematic coloration, which essentially tells predators to back off because the insect doesn’t taste good. That said, not all species have spots, such as the mealybug destroyer.
Ladybugs can come in a variety of sizes, with smaller species being around 0.12–0.16 inches (3–4 mm), while some of the largest ladybugs can measure up to 0.39 inches (10 mm). They usually have a dome-shaped body, which is one of their most distinguishing features although there are some that are slightly less spherical.
External Anatomy
Head – ladybugs have a small head which contains the eyes, antennae and mouth. They’re unable to see in color but have excellent vision close up.
Antenna – a ladybug has a single pair of antennae that it uses to aid in its sense of smell and taste.
Leg – ladybugs have six legs that they can fold and retract under their body. The legs are set in three pairs and not only help the creature to move but also have sensory organs as well as an ability to ooze a foul-tasting liquid to warn off predators.
Pronotum – the pronotum is the portion between the wing case and the head. The legs and the wings are connected to this, but it also acts as a protective structure for the head and is often covered in distinct markings.
Elytra – ladybugs have a hard protective casing over their wings called the elytra. This is the colored portion of the bug that often has a series of spots. It can open up to reveal the ladybug’s true wings beneath.
Wing – under the elytra are the wings that allow the ladybug to fly. These wings are much longer than the elytra, making it hard to believe that they could be contained within. Their hind wings are delicate, and it can take some time for the ladybug to take flight as it must first open the elytra and expand the wings before getting into the air. Once in the air, they need to beat their wings up to 85 times per second to stay aloft.
Abdomen – ladybug abdomens are split into six sections, although some species only have five in the females.
Diet
Almost all species of ladybug feed on aphids to some degree. They’re so well known for this that they are often praised by gardeners and farmers for their ability to control these pests. A single adult ladybug can consume up to 50 aphids in a day.
However, this isn’t the only food they will eat, and many species also prey on scale bugs, white flies, mites, and insect eggs. During the larval phase, they may even eat other ladybird eggs. While all ladybugs will do this, they typically reserve it for when other prey is few and far between.
There are even some ladybug species that eat plants, nectar, pollen, or even the fungal mold that grows on the plant leaves within their habitat.
Hibernation
Ladybugs generally live for around one year so this means that they need to find a way to survive the winter when resources are scarce. They do this via a process called diapause which is a term used to describe hibernation in insects and the reason you don’t really see these critters in winter.
When the cold weather comes, aphid populations all but die out, which means the food sources for ladybugs are far from abundant. What’s more, ladybugs are cold-blooded, so they need to find somewhere to stay warm, and they’ll often gather in groups, under rocks, or even in the dark corners of your house!
Ladybugs can survive in diapause for as long as nine months and will typically emerge once the temperatures reach 55°F (13°C). Since they gather in different sex groups, emerging means that they are in a perfect position to breed.
Defense Mechanisms Against Predators
Lady bugs don’t have too many predators because they have a foul taste which puts off things like birds. However, spiders and assassin bugs as well as frogs will often prey on them, so they need some good defense mechanisms, and they have several.
For starters, the hard case that surrounds their wings, the elytra, provides a form of protection. It isn’t usually enough on its own to protect them from a big bite, but it can give a baseline level of protection from near misses.
What’s more, ladybugs are pretty smart and know that, by playing dead, they will deter any would-be predator that is as much about the chase as it is the reward.
Have you ever picked up a ladybird only to find that it secrete a strange smelling fluid? That’s called reflex bleeding and occurs when the insect feels threatened. It’s a concoction of chemicals, including hemolymph, which is what gives it the bad smell and taste and is enough to send predators in the opposite direction.
Finally, ladybugs are able to bite as a way of defending themselves, and they may do this to humans. While the bite is not usually serious, it may cause a reaction in people that are allergic to the proteins in the insect’s body.
Examples of Ladybug Species
There are more than 6000 ladybug species in the world and while it’s not possible for me to list every single one here, let me introduce you to some of the most amazing.
1. Two-Spotted Ladybug (Adalia bipunctata)
The two-spotted ladybug is native to North America and can be found wherever there are aphids and vegetation cover. While aphids do make up the primary part of their diet, they may also feed on insect eggs and mites.
Two-spotted ladybugs usually have a red wing case with a black underbody and legs as well as two black spots on the wings. There are also two white spots on the head and they grow to around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length.
2. Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)
As the name may suggest, the seven-spotted ladybug has seven spots; three on each wing and one at the point where the two wings meet. These ladybugs are the most abundant species in Europe but are also found across The Middle East and Asia.
They have orange to red wings and a black head with white markings. They’re usually found around herbaceous plants and in fields where the aphid population is high, as this is the main part of their diet. While they may have potential predators, these are often put off by the foul-tasting liquid that the bug secretes from its legs. If that doesn’t work, the seven-spotted ladybug may play dead!
3. Nine-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella novemnotata)
Historically, the nine-spotted ladybug was found throughout the Nearctic regions of the US, as well as the south of Canada. However, today, its range is much more limited, which makes it a candidate for conservation efforts.
These bugs feed on aphids as well as spider mites and are often found on agricultural land among the crops. They grow to around 0.2–0.3 inches (5–7 mm) and have 9 spots on their red/orange wing cases with a pale band running across the eyes. After developing from egg to adult in around 20 days, this species can live for several weeks throughout the summer.
4. Ten-Spotted Lady Beetle (Adalia decempunctata)
The name of the ten-spotted ladybug might be misleading because they don’t always have ten spots on their red to brown wings and could have anywhere between 0 and 12 spots. There are some examples of this species that has black to brown coloration with orange spots.
They’re a small species that grows to between 0.12–0.2 inches (3–5 mm) and can be found throughout Europe, west Asia, and North Africa.
Ten-spotted ladybugs live in gardens and woodlands where they prey on aphids, and during winter, they’ll hide among the leaf litter.
5. Eleven-Spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella undecimpunctata)
Now let’s move on to the eleven-spotted ladybug which can be found in Europe, North Africa, and as far east as China, where it lives in fields, forest edges, wastelands, or anywhere with long grasses. Like most other species, the eleven-spotted ladybug preys on aphids.
This species is easy to recognize thanks to its bright red wings and 11 black spots. However, some individuals may have very small spots or those that have joined together. As larvae, they have black bodies with four orangish markings on the sides of the abdomen.
6. Fourteen-Spotted Lady Beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata)
The fourteen-spotted ladybug are found in Palearctic regions but have been introduced to North America. In all of their range, they are found only in temperate regions where they enjoy spending time among grasses and in fields and gardens.
These ladybugs feed on aphids but are also known to eat green bugs and play an important role in controlling crop pests.
They can grow up to 0.18 inches (4.5 mm) in length and may be any of 100 color patterns, including cream and yellow to black. The spots are usually rectangular in shape and number 14, although some may fuse together to form larger spots.
7. Eighteen-Spotted Ladybird (Myrrha octodecimguttata)
The eighteen-spotted ladybug is found across Europe and North Africa as well as out to the east in Mongolia. These ladybugs enjoy a pine forest habitat where they select older trees in which to breed; a common sight in Germany.
Just behind the pronotum on the wing case, there are two distinct L shaped spots which help in identifying the species. The wings are usually brown in color and feature 18 creamy colored spots, which may vary in size.
8. Twenty-Two-Spotted Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
Because of its 22 spots, the twenty-two-spotted ladybug has quite a distinct appearance, especially considering its yellow wings and head and contrasting black spots. This is a small species that usually grows to between 0.12–0.16 inches (3–4 mm) and can be found in gardens, woodlands and grasslands.
It may be confused with the fourteen-spotted ladybug but the twenty-two-spotted ladybug has rounder spots that never fuse together.
The species is native to Europe and the United Kingdom and Ireland, although it is not as common in Scotland as it is in England and Wales.
9. Twenty-Four-Spotted Lady Beetle (Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata)
The twenty-four-spotted ladybug is unique in its appearance and the only species in its genus Subcoccinella. Its wings have a more velvety appearance and are red in color with between 20 and 26 black spots which can vary in size and may merge together.
Unlike other ladybug species, this one does not feed on aphids but lives on a diet of fungal mold, which it finds on the plants in its native Palearctic region and in North America, where it had been introduced.
10. Parenthesis Lady Beetle (Hippodamia parenthesis)
The parenthesis lady beetle is native to North America where it is often found in gardens, fields, and meadows. While it does feed on insects, this species also benefit from a diet of nectar and pollen, which it collects from plants.
These ladybugs can grow to between 0.12–0.24 inches (3-6 mm) and may have a red or orange elytra with black spots, two of which are shaped like parenthesis and located at the base of the wing case, giving the bug its name.
After five days, eggs hatch into alligator-shaped larvae which are black in color and have light markings.
11. Twice-Stabbed Ladybug (Chilocorus stigma)
The twice-stabbed ladybug has a very unique appearance with a black wing case and two bright red spots in the center of each wing. This is a small species that grows to between 0.12–0.2 inches (3-5 mm) and has a very rounded shape.
These ladybugs are common in areas where there are a lot of aphids and mealybugs on which they prey and are known for their benefit in commercial woodlands and orchards. However, they are one of the rarer species of ladybugs and are not as commonly spotted throughout their range in North America.
12. Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens)
The convergent lady beetle is one of the most common species in North America, where it’s found from the southern United States and as far north as Canada. It’s also common in South America and across all of its range, this ladybug can be found in gardens, fields, and grasslands where it hunts for plant mites, scales, and of course, aphids.
Convergent lady beetles have a yellow to red elytra with 12 black spots, black legs, and white markings around the prothorax. They’re not as oval-shaped as other species of ladybug and generally grow to around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length.
13. Eyed Ladybug (Anatis ocellata)
The eyed ladybug certainly has one of the most distinct appearances of all species, with a red wing case covered in 12 to 15 black spots that feature a yellowish/white halo. They’re also a considerably larger species that can grow up to 0.32 inches (8 mm).
Eyed ladybugs are found across continental Europe and Asia, although some specimens have been reported in Scotland, and have a slightly different appearance with fused spots.
These ladybugs enjoy a diet of aphids which they find in the pine forests that they frequent. That said, they’re also found in grasslands and gardens.
14. Orange Ladybug (Halyzia sedecimguttata)
As its name suggests, the orange ladybug is orange in color, and this applies to the wing case and head, but it also has brown antennae and is covered in around 14 cream to white spots. On average, this species grows to around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length.
The orange ladybug can be found across Europe and out to the far eastern parts of Asia, including Japan. While it was once uncommon in the UK, populations here have risen in recent years, and the species enjoys a dry woodland habitat across all of its range, where it feeds on aphids and the mildew that forms on leaves.
15. Spotted Lady Beetle (Coleomegilla maculata)
The spotted ladybug lives in a variety of habitats and will go wherever its prey does. It feeds on aphids, mites, and insect eggs and is a common sight among crops where it is an important predator of crop pests.
These ladybugs are common across North and South America but are not found in New England or Florida. They have an oval-shaped body and may be anywhere between red and pink in color. They have a series of six irregularly shaped spots on their wings and can grow up to 0.24 inches (6 mm) in length.
16. Harlequin Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis)
Sometimes called the multicolored Asian lady beetle, it won’t come as a surprise that the harlequin ladybug is found in the Oriental regions of Asia. However, it can also be found across North America, where it is a non-native species. These bugs prefer an open habitat which is why they’re often found in fields and on agricultural land.
Harlequin ladybugs can come in one of three colors; red with either no spots or lots of black spots, orange with zero or lots of black spots, and black with two or four orange spots. Regardless of the color, the species grows to between 0.31–0.39 inches (8–10 mm).
Usually, this species lives up to 90 days in the wild and can be found feeding on scale insects and aphids.
17. Pine Ladybug (Exochomus quadripustulatus)
Found in many habitats and overwintering among the leaf litter, the pine ladybug is commonly confused with other similar species, such as the black harlequin and the 2-spot ladybug. However, it can be identified by the red, comma-shaped markings near the pronotum.
With a black wing case and two oval red spots on either wing, this is a small species that grows to around 0.16 inches (4 mm). Like many other species, the pine ladybug mainly preys on aphids but may also eat scale insects.
18. Kidney-Spot Ladybug (Chilocorus renipustulatus)
The kidney spot ladybug looks similar in appearance to the pine ladybug, and the two are often confused. However, not only does this species lack the red comma markings, it can be distinguished by the two red, kidney-shaped spots on its black elytra, which is upturned at the edges.
These ladybugs are found across Europe, and have a dome shape with black legs. They are common in grasslands and woodlands and feed on the tree bark here as well as hunting scale insects.
19. Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinella transversalis)
The transverse lady beetle is our first Australian species, but it can also be found in parts of southeast Asia. They can be found in a range of habitats but are very common on agricultural land where they are favored for being a crop pest controller, especially for things like the cabbage aphid and the pea aphid.
Transverse lady beetles grow anywhere between 0.12–0.28 inches (3–7 mm) and have a similar appearance to the European and North American varieties of this species. The elytra is usually red to orange in color while the head and legs are black. The lady beetle had a black band across the wings as well as three-lobed markings.
20. Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)
Native to the eastern parts of Australia, the mealybug destroyer is well-loved by humans for its ability to control mealy bug populations in citrus orchards. It has a rather unique appearance, unlike any other ladybug with a black wingcase and rusty brown-colored legs and head.
This species has been introduced around the world and now exists across Europe and North Africa. In its larval stage, the mealybug destroyer also has an interesting appearance with a white waxy covering that makes them look like their primary prey.
21. Cream-Spot Ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata)
The cream-spot ladybird has a wide range that covers all of North America, northern Europe, and parts of Asia. It prefers a forest habitat but can also be found among flowering plants in the grasslands.
Cream-spot ladybirds are a small species that grows between 0.12–0.22 inches (3–5.5 mm). They have either a black or orange elytra, and the spots may be white, red, or black, respectively, numbering between 2 and 14. As with many other species, the cream-spot ladybird feeds on aphids as well as psyllids.
22. California Lady Beetle (Coccinella californica)
As you can probably guess from its name, the California lady beetle is found in California where it is mainly found around coastal regions.
It has a red wing case with a black pronotum that has white markings on either side. What’s unique about this species is that it doesn’t have any spots on the elytra but does have two small, white spots between the eyes.
23. Steelblue Ladybug (Halmus chalybeus)
The steelblue ladybug is native to Australia and, as its name suggests, it has a metallic steely blue color or sometimes a slightly green hue. These ladybugs are round in shape and do not have any spots. They typically grow to around 0.12 or 0.16 inches (3 or 4 mm) in length.
Steelblue ladybugs feed on scale insects but are particularly partial to the cowpea aphid, and while they may be threatened by ants, their helmet-shaped wing covers help to protect them.
24. Three-Banded Lady Beetle (Coccinella trifasciata)
The three-banded lady beetle has one of the widest ranges of all species, occurring in North America, Europe, Oceania, and many parts of Asia but not China. These bugs grow to 0.16–0.20 inches (4–5 mm) and can have either a red or yellow wing case which features three black bands with yellow borders, earning the ladybug its name.
You can tell the difference between males and females because the males have a pale band across the head while the females only have a pale band between the eyes. The larvae and the adult three-banded lady beetle prey on aphids.
Difference Between Ladybugs & Asian Lady Beetles
Many ladybug species look very similar, and this can lead to confusion. The Asian lady beetle sometimes called the harlequin ladybug, is often confused with other ladybugs. Gardeners are usually keen to identify the two as Asian lady beetles can be a nuisance in North America.
Asian lady beetles are usually more active in the fall between September and November, while other species are typically seen in summer. Moreover, the Asian lady beetle is more aggressive than native species and may bite more readily.
In terms of appearance, the native ladybugs are smaller than their Asian counterparts and do not come in such a wide variety of colors. Also take a look at the pronotum which, in Asian species usually has an M or W-shaped marking, whereas native species usually have two spots on either side.
Benefits of Ladybugs
Ladybugs are one of the more well-loved insect species in our gardens, and there are many reasons that they’re beneficial to humans. One of the main reasons is that they are excellent pest controllers and are often thought of as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides. It’s even possible to buy ladybugs to release into your yard.
On a commercial level, it’s been estimated that farmers could save up to $300 million annually by using ladybugs as a pest controller in cotton fields. Of course, this isn’t always a viable option and there are risks involved such as the spread of disease when releasing non-local wild-caught ladybugs into a yard or on agricultural land.
Did you know that ladybugs are also important pollinators? Most people think of bees, hummingbirds, or butterflies when they think of pollinators, but ladybugs are unintentional pollinators. You’ll often find them on flowers and from here, pollen sticks to them. When they move onto another plant, they take the pollen with them; it’s as simple and effective as that!
How to Attract Ladybugs to Your Yard
It’s obvious that ladybugs are hugely beneficial to your garden and they’re beautiful to look at, not to mention fascinating to observe. So, why wouldn’t you want to invite them into your yard? Of course, this all relies on you actually being able to get them there in the first place. You can do that using a combination of the following methods.
1. Grow plants that ladybugs love: Ladybugs are attracted to plants that attract their prey and there is a whole host that they love. Things like geranium, calendula, and Queen Anne’s lace are all viable options. If you’re looking to create a kitchen garden to attract ladybugs then why not try dill, garlic, parsley, or cilantro?
2. Reduce the use of pesticides: If you’re keen to attract ladybugs to act as a natural pesticide, then you’re going to have to first cut back on the use of chemical pesticides, as these are dangerous to ladybugs. They’ll avoid areas where they have been used and, if exposed to them, it will be fatal.
3. Avoid removing all weeds in your yard: Ladybugs prefer a natural environment, not a perfectly pruned garden. If you allow some weed growth this will attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects as it provides them with shelter, especially during fall and winter as this will provide somewhere for the lady beetles to overwinter.
4. Add a ladybug house: You’ve probably heard of a bug hotel, but what about a ladybug house? All you need is a small wooden box with some holes and a lure inside, like sugar water, which will attract the bugs.
5. Provide a water source: Just like humans, ladybugs need access to water, so by providing a water source, you’re sure to attract more of them to your yard. It doesn’t need to be a massive pond, even something as simple as a wet paper towel or a bowl of fresh water can work wonders.
Threats Facing Ladybugs
We always hear about the threats to endangered species like tigers, gorillas, and white rhinos, and rightly so. But there isn’t as much focus on the declining insect populations and that includes the various species of ladybug around the world.
Habitat Loss
Humans are taking over natural land at an alarming rate for things like development and agriculture. While this might benefit us, it’s not such good news for the insect populations which are now in rapid decline.
For ladybugs, a loss of forest habitat is one of the main problems, and as the years go by, we are seeing fewer and fewer ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Alarmingly, it’s thought that the decline could be as much as 1-2% each year!
Pesticides
The use of pesticides is considered one of the best ways to deal with nuisance bug species, and while this is probably true, they also have a detrimental effect on ladybugs and other beneficial insects.
It’s unlikely that a ladybug would be affected if it were to prey on a bug that had been exposed to a chemical. However, if it landed on a plant covered in pesticides or was directly sprayed with them, the results would be harmful and even fatal.
That’s because a lot of the ingredients used in chemical pesticides are detrimental to the health of ladybugs so should be avoided in favor of natural methods.
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the leading causes of wildlife decline on the planet, and sadly, ladybugs are not exempt from this. While there are many native species still in their natural habitats, many ladybug species have been introduced to other areas and may find it even more difficult to adapt to the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures.
Interestingly, studies have shown that ladybirds are losing their color as a result of climate change, and this has much more to do with than just aesthetics. Those colors act as a warning to predators so, without them, the ladybugs become much more vulnerable.
What’s more, with climate change also comes a decline in the aphid populations. Since ladybugs rely on this important food source, they’ll find it much more challenging to survive in their natural habitat. Not only that, but it’s been shown that climate change could also result in a loss of habitat for up to 49% of all insect species.
Non-Native Species
Asian lady beetles were introduced to many areas as a way of controlling the aphid populations. However, they’ve quickly taken over and have now become a nuisance themselves. One of the worrying things about this species is that it has toxins in its bodily fluids that are poisonous to native insects.
Not only this but native ladybugs are having to fight for resources since their Asian counterparts can eat up to 200 aphids a day! Over the course of 11 years, scientists have been looking at the effect of the Asian ladybug on native species in Switzerland and it’s evident that they have caused a decline.
What’s more, non-native species such as the harlequin is a pest to humans as they are known to gather in large numbers inside houses during winter.
