The Ladybug Or Lady Bird Beetle - Beneficial Garden Insect © 2007

Ladybug

Hippodamia convergens
Family - Coccinellidae

Other species include
Rodalia cardinalis

There are approximately 4,000 species of lady bird beetles worldwide, with about 350 in the United States. Almost all species with a couple of exceptions are beneficial to the agricultural industry. Most ladybug species are under one fourth inch in diameter and most are varying colors of yellow or red with black dots on the shell of their body. The name ladybug, or lady beetle dates to Medieval times when the insect was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The lifecycle of the lady bug varies with the species, but most have a single generation of young each year. The adult insects emerge from hiding in the spring, lay eggs on plants infested with aphids. The eggs hatch and the lady beetle larvae emerge. The larvae are voracious predators of aphids, a serious plant pest. The larvae then pupate, mature into adults. In the fall the adults over winter in garden trash, leaf litter, or other areas where they can find protection. They emerge in the spring and the cycle starts all over. In some areas the adults gather in large numbers in the fall. Some are then gathered and stored under refrigeration to be used in pest control in greenhouses and other agricultural operations.

The only members of this large insect family which are garden pests are the Mexican Bean Beetle, (Epilachna varivestis ) and the Squash Beetle (Epilachna borealis ). Ladybugs have a bitter taste and it is thought that their distinctive coloration is a warning to birds and other predators to find another bug for a meal. Bright colors are usually associated by predators of insects to mean an unpleasant taste, or even poison. The ladybug is poisoness to the smaller lizards and birds which might eat them. Lady beetles can also emit a strong smelling toxin when it is handled roughly. This substance has a rather strong odor when released.

The adult and larvae ladybug both feed on aphids, scale insects and to a lesser degree whiteflies. These are all destructive insects in gardens and fields. Many cultures view the lady bird beetle as a symbol of good luck with many different beliefs worldwide. Most gardeners would agree that a large resident population of ladybug insects in their gardens is truly good luck.

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