Ladybugs (also called ladybugs and ladybugs) are a species of beetle that often have a red, oval-shaped body with black spots. The most common color for ladybugs is red, but some species of ladybugs have yellow, orange, gray, or even pink bodies.
Ladybugs also have spots on the top of their wings that come in colors like pink, red, black, yellow, or white. Ladybugs can have up to 13 specs on the top of their wings.
Not all ladybugs are red with black dots. Some species of ladybugs are black with red spots, others are white with small black markings, while others have striped bodies.
Ladybug species range in length from just over 1mm to over 10mm. Most ladybugs are flying bugs, which is probably why they are called ladybugs in many English-speaking countries.
In fact, there are other insects or bugs that look similar to ladybugs but are not classified as ladybugs. Some of these fake ladybugs are the spiritual beetle, the scarlet lily beetle, and the potato beetle.
Heumore than 6,000 speciesof ladybugs (ladybugs) from around the world. There are about 150 species of ladybugs in the United States. Some of the most common types of ladybugs are the convergent ladybug, California ladybug, seven-spotted (C7) ladybug, 22-spotted ladybug, cardinal ladybug, and pink-spotted ladybug.
Most ladybug species are classified as usefulflying insectswhich kill aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, Colorado potato beetle larvae and other crop-destroying insects.
According to some estimates, about 90% of the thousands are ladybug speciesthey are predators. help ladybugsKeep aphid populations lowwhich can destroy crops such as potatoes, grain and legumes. In fact, organic gardeners buy live ladybugs to use as a natural way to control pests.
Although most species of ladybugs are beneficial insects and do no harm, there are some destructive species. One of the most destructive ladybugs is the Mexican bean beetle (epilachna varivestis), which feeds on bean plants. Another type of pest is the Asian ladybird (Harmonia Axyridis), which is in the ladybug classification ofCoccinellidae.
In this article you will learn more about the different types of ladybugs. You'll also learn how to distinguish between ladybugs and the Asian ladybug, which many people consider an invasive pest.
Life cycle of the ladybug
The life cycle of ladybug insects begins as larvae hatching from eggs. these larvaeGorge on aphidsThat's one of the reasons they're so useful in pest control. The larvae then develop into a pupa, which is usually yellow in color with black spots. After a few days, an adult ladybug hatches and begins to feed on small insects.
Types of Ladybugs (with Pictures) - Guide to Identification
Most ladybug species are harmless and good for your garden. You also don't have to worry if you see a native ladybug species in your home. They do not bite and do not transmit diseases.
These are some of the varieties of ladybugs native to North America, Europe, and other countries.
convergent ladybug (convergent Hypodamia)
The convergent ladybird is the most common ladybird species in North America.
The convergent ladybird or ladybird is the most common native species in North America. The convergent ladybug has a dark orange, oval body with 12 differently sized black spots on its dome-shaped back. This ladybug species measures between 4 and 7 mm.
Convergent ladybugs are popular for helping control populations of aphids, their main food source, as well as whiteflies and other insects.
California beetle (California ladybug)
The California ladybug does not have black spots on its back.
The California ladybug is a type of ladyBeetle that has a red arched backwithout a black dot. The California ladybug's identifying feature is the black line that runs down the center of its back. Its head is mostly black and may have a white patch on each side.
Native to California, this ladybug measures about 5mm.
C-7 (Ladybug of the Seven Spots) –Coccinella septempunctata
The seven-spotted ladybird is widespread in Europe.
The seven-spotted ladybird is one of the most common native ladybirds you will find in Europe. This is sometimes called C-7 for short.
Although widely used in Europe, the C-7 was successfully introduced in the United States. This type of ladybug has 7 spots on its back. There are 6 similarly sized ones on each side of the elytra and a larger central black spot just behind the pronotum. The C-7 ladybug has a black head resembling the California ladybug.
The seven-spot ladybug is one of the larger varieties with adults measuring up to 10mm in length.
22 points Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
The 22-spot ladybug is a species of ladybug that prefers to eat mold that grows on shrubs.
The 22-pronged ladybug is a showy species of ladybug due to its bright yellow color. As the name suggests, there are 22 spots on this species of ladybug and also 5 spots on its pronotum. The 22-spot ladybird is one of the smallest beetle species in the Coccinellidae family, measuring just 5mm.
Unlike other ladybugs that eat aphids, the 22-spot ladybug prefers to eat mold that grows on shrubs.
Kardinal Joaninha (Vedália Joaninha) –Rodolia Kardinal
The cardinal ladybird is a small species of ladybird
The cardinal ladybug has a black body with prominent red markings on its back, meaning it doesn't look like a typical ladybug. This is also a small species of ladybug, as the adults only grow to 2-4mm in length.
Originally from Australia, the cardinal ladybird feeds on aphids, small mites and mealybugs. It has been used successfully in Australia and California to control spider mite infestations in orchards.
Pink spotted beetle (Coleomegilla maculata)
Pink ladybug helps control Colorado potato beetle
The pink-spotted ladybird is also called the 12-spot ladybird. Unlike other ladybugs, the rose ladybug has an elongated rather than oval body. There are 6 black markers on each pink peaked cap.
The pink ladybug thrives in coastal regions and helps control Colorado potato beetle infestations.
Agora Besouro (Patata Mariquita with 28 Puntos) –Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata
The Hadda beetle is a yellow-orange species of ladybug.
The Hadda beetle's common name is "potato" because this ladybug feeds on and damages potato crops. Heyellow-orange beetleIt has 14 black markings on each wing cap. The oval body is largest at the end of the head.
Hadda beetle is native to India and is widespread in some southern hemisphere countries.
colon ladybugAdalia bipunctata)
The Colon Ladybug is a popular variety in Europe and North America.
This species of red ladybug, the two-spotted ladybug, gets its name from the two black spots on its back. One of the most striking features of this ladybird species are the 2 large white spots on the pronotum. This makes it look like the beetle has 2 big eyes.
some kinds ofAdalia bipunctataThey are known to have more than two points. This species of ladybug is popular in Europe and North America to control crop pests.
Related article:How to Identify Red and Black Bugs (Including Photos).
Twenty Spot Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintimculata)
The twenty-spot ladybug is a species of small ladybug with a cream-colored body.
The 20-spot ladybug is an unusual looking beetle due to its cream back and brown spots. Due to its small size of only 2-3mm, this ladybug can be very difficult to spot.
Orange spotted ladybug (Brachiacantha ursina)
The orange-spotted ladybug is an unusual species of ladybug with a black body.
The orange-spotted ladybug is an unusual species of ladybug with an orange-spotted body. This is also known as a spur leg bear ladybug. This glossy black beetle has a distinctive dome-shaped back and oval body. Each elytra has multiple bright orange or yellow markings.
At only 3-4mm in size, the orange-spotted ladybug can also be difficult to find.
Three Banded Ladybug (Ladybug with three ribbons)
The three-banded ladybug variety
Another member of the Coccinella family is the aptly named three-banded ladybug. Three black bands surround the orange body of this native North American ladybug. Some say this beetle looks like a tiger. At only 4mm in length, this is a different species of small ladybug.
ladybug with spotted eyes (anatis property)
Spot-eyed ladybird (Anatis mali)
If you see the spotted ladybug (anatis property), it is not difficult to see how it got its name. Each elytra has a series of markings that look like small eyes. Distinctive markings give the large ladybug a unique look. Compared to other ladybirds, this species is similar in size to the Northern European 7-spot ladybird at 7–10 mm.
Ladybug of the Fifteen Points (Entenlips)
The fifteen spotted ladybug has white or deep purple body types.
The 15-spot ladybug is a very unusual species of white ladybug with black markings. Its body is round and oval with markings on either side of the elytra. This ladybug species measures between 7 and 9 mm. One species of the 15-spot ladybug species also has a deep purple body.
Classification of ladybugs and other facts.
A close-up photo of the ladybug (also called ladybug or ladybug)
Ladybugs belong to a family of small bugs called beetlesCoccinellidae, so a ladybug is actually akind of beetle. Coccinellidae belongs to the superfamily of beetles called Cucujoidea. This family includes insects such as mushroom beetles, bark beetles, fruit beetles and ladybirds.
- Ladybug Kingdom: Animalia (Alle Tiere)
- Phylum Ladybird: Arthropoda (Invertebrados)
- Ladybug class: Insecta (insects)
- Order ladybugs: Coleoptera (beetles)
- Ladybug Superfamily: Cucujoidea (Superbug Family)
- Ladybug family: Coccinellidae (ladybugs)
The lowest classification of ladybugs depends on their size, color, number of spots, and habitat. For example,Coccinella septempunctataIt is a variety of the 7-spotted red ladybird and is the most common in Europe.convergent HypodamiaIt is a ladybug species belonging to the Coccinellidae family and is the most common ladybug species in North America.
what do ladybugs eat
Ladybugs are useful because they gorge on almost anything. So what do ladybugs eat besides aphids? Researchers have found that different species of ladybugs eat different things.
Here are some examples of the type of food ladybugs eat:
- Most species of ladybugs eat mealybugs, mealybugs and, of course, aphids.
- Depending on the food source, ladybugs may also drink water or honeydew, or feed on flower nectar.
- Ladybugs belonging to the lower classification of Coccinelidscalled 'Halyziini' feed on fungal growth on plants.
- the tiny oneStethor usefulThe ladybug eats mites and other small insects.
Insects that look like ladybugs
There are some insects or bugs that look like ladybugs that are not classified as ladybugs (Coccinellidae). These fake ladybugs can easily be confused with real ladybugs as they look exactly like them. These beetle species include the spiritual beetle, scarlet lily beetle, and Colorado potato beetle.
These errors aretypes of beetlesthat look like ladybugs but are actually fake ladybugs. Left to right: Cleric Beetle, Scarlet Lily Beetle, and Colorado Potato Beetle
A species of insect that looks like a ladybug and is actually the same thingCoccinellidaefamily, is the Asian ladybug. Although the Asian ladybug resembles native ladybugs, they behave completely differently. Because of this, many people consider them an invasive pest.
To know how to tell the difference between these cheating ladybugs, it is important to know them better.
Asian Ladybug (Japanese Ladybug)
Asian Ladybug (Japanese Ladybug)
The multicolored Asian beetle has been imported into the US and other countries to control the numbers of crop-destroying pests. However, the Asian beetle itself has become a nuisance to many people. The Asian ladybug is becoming a plague in many countries.
Asian ladybugs are similar to native ladybugs, but they bite and can cause allergic skin reactions.
In late fall and early winter, Asian ladybugs begin to fly to warmer climates. Large numbers can swarm out and enter homes. Biting ladybugs can also cause an irritating sting on exposed skin. Unlike native ladybugs, Asian ladybugs leave behind a slimy, smelly liquid when they are crushed. (3)
The Asiatic Ladybug (Harmonia Axyridis) is notCoccinellidaeFamily and Order Coleoptera. Other names for this invasive pest include Japanese ladybug, Halloween ladybug, harlequin, or Asian motley beetle.
Scientists have found that Asian ladybug species come in many colors. Asian ladybugs are winged insects 5-8 mm long with an oval body. Many Asian ladybugs have red bodies with black spots. They may also be orange or off-white and may or may not have markings. (4)
To be classified as a true member of the ladybug family (Coccinellidae) Asian beetles have a similar life cycle. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on soft plant food. They then molt four times before pupating. They then emerge from this pupal stage as adult Asian ladybirds.
The best way to prevent Asian ladybugs from entering your home is to seal cracks around windows, doors, and pipes. This is essential to avoid reinfestation as the "bugs" tend to return to the same place year after year.
The Asian ladybug is a tricky ladybug that bites
If you have been bitten by a ladybug, it is most likely an Asian ladybug and not the convergent ladybug or the 7-spot ladybug.
What does an Asian bug bite feel like? Luckily, these flying ladybugs don't have a nasty bite. Scientists say the bite feels like a pinprick and rarely causes complications. (5)
Unlike harmless native ladybugs, the Asian ladybug species can leave a foul-smelling yellow discharge. In some people, this can cause an allergic skin reaction or asthma.
Ladybug vs Asiatic Beetle (Asiatic Beetle)
Ladybug vs Asian Beetle (Bad Ladybug)
It can be difficult to tell the difference between native ladybugs and biting Asian ladybugs. Both look similar and are similar in size. However, there are some telltale signs that help distinguish them, such as the markings on the head and the bite.
Bite– One of the main differences between the ladybug and the Asian beetle is the sting. Ladybugs, native to North America and Europe, are not biting beetles. As previously mentioned, Asian ladybugs can nibble on skin.
swarm nature– The other difference between the ladybug and the Asian ladybug is the swarming nature of the Asian beetles. If you see a single ladybug, it's probably a native species of ladybug. Unlike native ladybugs, Asian beetles swarm out in large numbers and quickly cover windows. In autumn, swarming beetles seek out warm surfaces.
marked on the head– Another difference between ladybugs and Asian ladybugs are the markings on the head. From above, Asian ladybugs have a white "M" shaped spot where the head meets the body at the pronotum. This is the part of the body between the head and the body and is usually black.
Before attempting to get rid of an Asian beetle, you should be aware of its "bleeding reflex." When red flying pests feel threatened, they excrete a pungent yellow coloring substance. Harmless ladybugs don't do that.
Because of their more aggressive nature, Asian ladybugs can hurt dogs. One report mentions that Asian bugs get stuck in the dog's buccal lining (the soft tissue that lines the mouth). The bugs secreted a toxic chemical that caused burns in the dog's mouth. (5)
It is said that once the bug is trapped in the dog's mucous membrane, it is difficult for the dog to get rid of it and manual removal is usually required. Some veterinarians have reported a few cases of dogs ingesting Asian bugs and developing stomach problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
How to get rid of Asian bugs
Once you have identified Asian ladybugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to use a vacuum cleaner. This avoids crushing them and risking staining fabrics or having to deal with the unpleasant odor they leave behind.
Once you've removed them, you'll need to seal any cracks or crevices that allow them to enter your home. Asian ladybugs leave behind pheromones that attract these flying pests to your home year after year.
Related posts:
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- Types of caterpillars with useful photos.
- Species of insects with photos for easy identification
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FAQs
How can you tell a ladybug from an Asian lady beetle? ›
Ladybugs are bright red with black spots. Asian lady beetles' coloration can vary from red to orange. Asian lady beetles may or may not have black spots on their wing covers (cerci). Ladybugs have a round, oval shape while Asian lady beetles tend to be a little longer.
What is the rarest ladybug? ›Just two specimens of the tan, pinhead-sized ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, have ever been collected, a male in Montana and a female in Idaho, scientists said, making it the rarest species in the United States.
How many kinds of ladybugs are there? ›Ladybugs
What are Asian ladybugs called? ›The Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), is relatively new to this country. The beetle is native to Asia (e.g., China, Russia, Korea, Japan), where it dwells in trees and fields, preying on aphids and scale insects.
What color ladybugs are poisonous? ›orange: Orange-tinted ladybugs (which are mostly Asian lady beetles) tend to have the most toxins in their bodies. Therefore, they may be the most allergenic to humans.
What bug is mistaken for a ladybug? ›Ladybug look-alikes that can be destructive to your garden, include the Mexican bean beetle, that feeds on bean plants and the squash lady beetle, that feeds on summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, bean, and pea plants. Other look-alikes are clerid beetles, scarlet lily beetles, and Colorado potato beetles.
What is the luckiest ladybug? ›Some say that the redder the ladybug, the better your luck will be. There are even folk tales that say when a ladybug comes to call, true love will follow soon after. So it seems a ladybug landing is quite lucky indeed!
Is a pink ladybug real? ›Coleomegilla maculate. The pink spotted lady beetle (also called pink ladybird beetle, pink ladybug), Coleomegilla maculate, is an important beneficial insect commonly found in Missouri's field crops.
What is a Halloween ladybug? ›The Halloween beetle, from the order Coleoptera and the family Coccinellidae, is more often referred to as the Asian lady beetle. It gets its name, Halloween beetle, because of its orange coloring and jet black polka dots. Though it looks like a ladybug, it is not exactly a ladybug.
Are pink ladybugs poisonous? ›Ladybugs are not poisonous or harmful to humans, but they can be poisonous to predators and other animals when eaten.
What color are baby ladybugs? ›
Ladybug larvae look somewhat like tiny alligators, with elongated bodies and bumpy exoskeletons. In many species, the ladybug larvae are black with brightly colored spots or bands. In the larval stage, ladybugs feed voraciously.
Are there any poisonous ladybugs? ›No, ladybugs are not poisonous!
They don't draw blood or carry any type of disease, either. The only time ladybugs are poisonous is if you eat them. However, if you're allergic to ladybugs, a skin welt may form. Additionally, a ladybug's fecal matter is a known allergy exasperater.
Asian lady beetles (also known as Japanese lady beetles, harlequin ladybirds or Halloween bugs) also eat aphids and other pests. But they eat other insects as well, including native ladybugs.
Do gold ladybugs exist? ›Gold-Like Colors of Ladybugs
The gold color is another one that does not exist when it comes to ladybugs. These types of insects are called the golden tortoise beetle. They come in different colors such as reddish-brown, gold, and metallic with black spots.
Ladybugs are harmless to most humans. They don't sting, and while they may occasionally bite, their bites don't cause serious injury or spread disease. They usually feel more like a pinch than a true bite.
Can Orange ladybugs hurt you? ›These orange ones are also known as Asian Lady Beetles, which, unlike their more gentle cousins, can bite and be aggressive. All ladybugs are not poisonous or dangerous to humans. However, the orange ladybugs have the most toxins in their bodies, which can cause allergies in some people and be fatal to animals.
Do ladybugs have warning colors? ›The bright colors and striking pattern of seven-spotted ladybugs (hereafter SSL), Coccinella septempunctata, are the conspicuous signals warning of alkaloids that are synthesized by the beetle -- a few ladybug species acquire chemical defenses in their diets.
What ladybug has no spots? ›Asian lady beetles aren't quite as tame. They've been known to bite when they feel threatened. If you've come across a swarm of what appears to be ladybugs take a closer look. If the insects are a light orange color, lack spots, have a white “M” on the head or bite you're probably dealing with Asian lady beetles.
What is an imposter ladybug? ›These are not your typical red seven-spotted friends. The beetles crawling around your home are the ladybug's angry and globally invasive imposter cousin: the Asian ladybeetle, or harlequin ladybird.
How do I know what kind of ladybug I have? ›You can identify a ladybug by its markings and size. There are several different species, with most sporting red shells and various numbers of black spots. Their heads tend to be black with small white "cheeks." Ladybugs are typically rounder and smaller than Asian lady beetles if you look at them side-by-side.
Is there a stink bug that looks like a ladybug? ›
Also called ladybird beetles, this type of ladybug smells bad, can bite you and, if you squish it, produces a messy, yellow stain. This is another invasive insect that has found a home in our area.
What looks like a ladybug but has no spots? ›Asian lady beetles aren't quite as tame. They've been known to bite when they feel threatened. If you've come across a swarm of what appears to be ladybugs take a closer look. If the insects are a light orange color, lack spots, have a white “M” on the head or bite you're probably dealing with Asian lady beetles.
How do you know if a ladybug is poisonous or not? ›No, ladybugs are not poisonous!
They don't draw blood or carry any type of disease, either. The only time ladybugs are poisonous is if you eat them. However, if you're allergic to ladybugs, a skin welt may form.
While ladybugs are primarily red, lady beetles will have more of an orange hue. Because of that, we sometimes call these fall pests the “pumpkin spice” version of a ladybug! Unlike ladybugs, lady beetles invade your home for its warmth.
What does a real ladybug look like? ›Most ladybugs have oval, dome-shaped bodies with six short legs. Depending on the species, they can have spots, stripes, or no markings at all. Seven-spotted ladybugs are red or orange with three spots on each side and one in the middle. They have a black head with white patches on either side.