aka, ladybug, or ladybird beetle
Identification
- Lady beetles are small, oval-shaped insects with a domed back. About the size of a pencil eraser.
- They typically have bright and contrasting colors, such as red or orange with black spots, but some species can be dark with light spots.
- Lady beetles have a pair of translucent wings that are usually covered by colorful wing covers.
Habitat
- Lady beetles are found on every continent except Antarctica.
- They inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, gardens, meadows, and agricultural fields.
- Lady beetles can also be found in urban areas, including parks and gardens.
Nesting
- Lady beetles do not build nests or homes like other insects.
- Instead, they seek out protected areas for shelter, such as crevices in tree barks, leaf litter, under rocks, or inside buildings.
- During the winter, lady beetles often hibernate in large numbers in sheltered locations to survive the cold.
Behavior
- Lady beetles are generally active during the day and rest at night.
- They are known for their ability to fly, and they often engage in short flights to search for food or find suitable habitats.
- Lady beetles are social insects and can be found in groups or clusters, particularly during the winter months when they seek shelter.
Offspring
- Female lady beetles lay eggs, typically in clusters, on the underside of leaves or near aphid colonies, which serve as a food source for the larvae.
- The eggs hatch into larvae, known as ladybug larvae or “grubs,” which are elongated and have spines or bristles on their bodies.
- Ladybug larvae go through several molts before pupating and transforming into adult lady beetles.
Predators
- Lady beetles have few natural predators due to their foul taste and ability to secrete a defensive fluid which contains toxic chemicals.
- However, some birds, spiders, and larger predatory insects may still prey on lady beetles, particularly when they are in their vulnerable larval or pupal stages.
Diet
- Lady beetles are beneficial insects as they primarily feed on aphids, which are pests that damage plants.
- They also consume other soft-bodied insects, such as scale insects, mites, mealybugs, and small caterpillars.
- Lady beetles are known to be voracious eaters and can consume a large number of prey insects in a short period.
Fun Facts
- Lady beetles are considered a symbol of good luck and are often associated with positive traits in various cultures.
- There are thousands of lady beetle species worldwide, with varying colors, patterns, and sizes.
- Lady beetles can release a yellowish fluid from their leg joints as a defense mechanism when threatened.
- Some lady beetle species exhibit cannibalistic behavior, where adults or larvae may eat their own species if food is scarce.
- Lady beetles are capable of flying at speeds of up to 24 km/h (15 mph).
-The common English name ladybird originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s birds”. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early art, and the seven spots of the species (the most common in Europe) were said to represent her seven joys and seven sorrows.