What's Bugging You > Occasional Invaders > Lady Bugs

Lady Bugs

Recommended Program

Appearance

Lady bugs are beetles that are oval to almost round in shape. They are approximately 1/16 - 1/4 inch long. Their colors are bright and most are red, brown, or tan with black spots.

Habits

As temperatures cool, lady bugs seek protected areas to over winter. Although the preferred areas are under rocks bark and leaves, it is not uncommon for them to enter homes or other buildings.

Diet

Both larvae and adults feed on aphids, mealy bugs, mites, insects and their eggs.

Reproduction

Once lady bugs emerge from over wintering, they will lay 12 eggs, singularly or end to end on plants that are infested with aphids or other insects that they feed on. The eggs are orange in color, while the larvae are blue, black, and orange.

Latin Name

Insecta Coleoptera Coccinellidae