Ladybugs

Ladybugs, or lady beetles, are small beetles in the family Coccinellidae (order Coleoptera) found worldwide in a variety of habitats. There are thousands of described species, with colors and patterns ranging from red, orange, and yellow to black, often with distinct spots or markings. Adults are typically 1–10 millimeters long and have a convex, dome-shaped body.

Ladybugs are beneficial predators. Both adults and larvae feed on soft-bodied pests such as aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and mites, helping to regulate pest populations in gardens and crops. Some species also consume pollen or fungal spores. They reproduce by laying clusters of yellow eggs near prey, which hatch into elongate, alligator-shaped larvae that later pupate before emerging as adults. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Geographic distribution is global, with high diversity in temperate regions. They inhabit gardens, fields, forests, and other vegetated areas where prey is available. In temperate zones, adults may overwinter in crevices or under bark and emerge in spring to begin feeding and breeding.

Notable species include the native seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). The latter has been introduced for pest control in some regions but can be invasive, outcompeting native species and sometimes entering buildings in large numbers.

Conservation and management: broad-spectrum pesticides can harm ladybugs, so promoting habitat diversity and reducing pesticide use supports their populations. In agriculture, they are valued allies in integrated pest management as natural enemies of pests.