Lady Beetle
Coccinellidae
Lady Beetle, Ladybeetle, Ladybird, Ladybird Beetle, Lady Beetle, Ladybug, Ladybird Larvae, Ladybeetle Larvae
Coccinella quinquepunctata (10914526086) by Gilles San Martin (CC BY-SA 2.0)
.jpg){kind=link}
Love plants? So do we.
Download the app to see more photos from the Candide community.
1 of 7
Ladybirds and their larvae are some of the most recognisable beetles, no matter where your location! Both mature adults and the larvae are skilled garden minibeasts, predating Aphids, Scale Insects, Whitefly and Caterpillars in some cases. One ladybird larvae can eat up to 100 aphids in one day!
Ladybird larvae look very different compared with the adults. They're small (approx <1cm), elongated and spikey with no shell. They typically have spots and stripes of colour, and most are dark-coloured.
Although a vast majority of ladybirds are garden-friendly, there's one group which can be problematic. The subfamily Epilachninae are herbivores, attacking the leaves and fruits of some vegetables. Where they occur, they can be minor garden pests.
Free download for your phone or tablet
Traits
Most are predatory, helping to control garden pest populations.
Species in Subfamily Epilachninae will eat plants.
Appearance
Adults: When thinking of these insects, our first thought is bright red with black polka dots. However, these insects are surprisingly diverse and colourful. Base colours include red, orange, white, black or yellow. They can have spots or stripes.
Ladybirds are typically hemispherical, short-legged; with the head tucked-in closely behind the following body segment (Pronotum). They can appear 'smooth and shiny' or 'hairy and matte'.
They're a small insect, growing no larger than a 1cm. A Two-spot Ladybird will only grow as large as 0.5cm.
Larvae: Ladybird larvae are distinctive and almost diamond-shaped. They're commonly black or grey with markings to match their parents, e.g. a yellow ladybird nymph will be black with yellow markings. Of course, this is just a general rule of thumb. Some larvae produce a waxy substance that forms tufts behind its rear end.
Activity
Diurnal
Personality
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Coccinellidae
Metamorphosis
Complete
Distribution
Worldwide
Biological treatment
You can attract beneficial ladybirds and larvae into your garden by installing insect habitats. This could either be a bug box or insect hotel; or other alternatives include flower borders, hanging baskets, hedges, wildflower patches and herb gardens.
Free download for your phone or tablet
Plant Knowledge
Search our ever-growing knowledge base to find plants and information. Find out about pests and diseases you should be keeping an eye out for. Watch How to videos or follow step by step guides for tasks in the garden.
Free download for your phone or tablet.