LADYBIRD BEETLE

Bug Index

Ladybird beetles are commonly known as Ladybugs and are among the most beneficial insects in the garden. Ladybug beetles feed on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites. One lady beetle female may eat about 2,500 aphids during her life span.  Ladybird Beetles are so popular with gardeners that they can be purchased from garden stores to help control garden pests. 

Adult ladybird beetles vary in length from 1.5 to 6.0 mm (1/8 inch to 5/8 inch). They come in a variety of colors. They may be orange, red, tan, brown, gray, or black and spotted or marked with contrasting colors of red, yellow, black, or white. Ladybird beetles often catch the attention of people because of their habit of forming large groups in the fall. Adults live over the winter in these large groups of other ladybird beetles under dead leaves and in other protected areas. Ladybird beetles become active quite early in the spring and remain active until quite late in the fall.

Ladybird Beetles are common in North America, but they live all over the world. They  can be found living in all kinds of different habitats including gardens, inside barns and greenhouses, in the woods, and near water. Throughout the summer ladybird beetles can often be found in large numbers on the shores of lakes. In the fall, they can be found in sunny places like around south facing walls and in piles of dead leaves when you are raking the lawn.  Late in the fall, Ladybird beetles prepare to hibernate by finding a warm dry place for the winter (They hibernate just like bears).

 
An adult Ladybird Beetle

Ladybird Beetles at different stages of development

Ladybird Beetles clearing lettuce leaves of aphids