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Ladybug, Ladybird Beetle
Natural Pest Control
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Ladybugs, or ladybird beetles, are one of most popular groups of insects, well known throughout the world. A good deal of research has been devoted to them. Their popularity stems from their bright colors and reputation as plant pest destructors. They're typical insects with regular life cycles consisting of egg, larva, pupa and adult stages.
Most of us recognize the black spots on red background variety, but ladybug species are found in many color schemes, generally with two basic, contrasting colors. Some even have stripes or checkered patterns instead of spots. All are small to medium-sized oval, oblong oval or hemispherical beetles, with a bulging back (dorsal side) and flat bottom (ventral side).
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seven-spot ladybug
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Ladybug reproduction is weather dependent. Eggs are normally laid close to food sources, like aphids. The diet of some species may consist of plant matter, such as mildews, plant leaves or the pollen and nectar of flowers. Ladybug larva and adults both eat the same food. In milder climates, reproduction may continue throughout the summer and include several generations. Where summers are hotter, ladybugs may become dormant, resuming feeding and reproduction when the weather cools. Adult ladybugs live for up to a year and usually spend winter in a dormant state. |
Asian ladybug pupa and larva
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Asian ladybird beetle
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Ladybugs are well defended against predators. Their bright colors are a part of a defense system, warning potential predators. Unpleasant odors and nasty flavors make ladybird beetles an undesirable snack! Some of their chemical defense systems are synthesized, while others are derived from food. |
seven-spotted ladybug
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pink spotted ladybug
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Our cute ladybugs carry some not so cute behaviors, including something as extreme as cannibalism! Some less extreme but interesting traits include the ability to change color patterns, and the existence of different color patterns within the same species. The common Asian ladybird beetle can vary considerably in appearance.
The use of ladybug beetles in natural pest control has had varying degrees of success. In some cases their help has been dramatic, and others not so much. Since aphid populations can grow much faster than ladybugs, aphid damage may already be done before enough ladybugs are available to control them. Ladybugs can be purchased in spring from garden centers or by mail order to provide “green” aphid control on a small scale.
Andrew Williams / CritterZone.com
Literature cited
Carde, Ring T. 2003 Encyclopedia of Insects Academic Press pgs.618-622
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seven-spotted ladybug hunting aphids
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The ladybug pictures on this page are available for commercial stock photography license. All text and photos that appear on this webpage are copyrighted and may not be copied or used in any way without permission from CritterZone.
CritterZone does not specifically endorse our advertisers, or their methods. We cannot control the ads that run on our articles. CritterZone advocates humane and respectful treatment of all creatures.
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