Ladybug (or Ladybird beetle)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, fields, agricultural areas, forests, generally found on plants where their prey (aphids, scale insects) are present. They often overwinter in sheltered locations, sometimes indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insects like aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and mites. Some species may also eat pollen or nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Ladybugs are often seen on plants. They are known for their bright colors and spots, which serve as a warning to predators. When threatened, they can exude a foul-smelling, yellowish fluid from their leg joints (reflex bleeding). They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Many species overwinter as adults, often congregating in large numbers.

Risks & Benefits

Ladybugs are overwhelmingly beneficial insects, especially in agriculture and gardening, where they serve as natural pest control by consuming large numbers of plant-eating pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Some species, particularly the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis), can become a nuisance when they aggregate inside homes for overwintering, may bite (though harmlessly), and can stain surfaces if crushed. However, even these species are beneficial predators in outdoor environments.

Identified on: 11/15/2025