Worldwide, there are almost 6,000 types of ladybirds. In Florida, over 100 species can be found. These bugs are very colorful with many patterns. The guide focuses on their unique features and names. This aims to help you learn about these special insects.
The insects are known as lady beetles, ladybugs, or ladybirds. They can be from 1 to 10 millimeters long. Their bodies are round and shaped like a dome. Most eat harmful bugs like aphids. A few eat plants and can be pests for farms. But, all lady beetles help to keep nature’s balance in check.
Lady Beetle Species Names
Lady beetles, also known as ladybugs or ladybird beetles, belong to the family Coccinellidae. There are numerous species within this family. Here is a list of some notable lady beetle species:
Genus Adalia
- Adalia bipunctata (Two-Spotted Lady Beetle)
- Adalia decempunctata (Ten-Spotted Lady Beetle)
Genus Anatis
- Anatis ocellata (Eyed Lady Beetle)
Genus Calvia
- Calvia quatuordecimguttata (Cream-Spotted Lady Beetle)
Genus Coccinella
- Coccinella septempunctata (Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle)
- Coccinella transversalis (Transverse Lady Beetle)
Genus Cycloneda
- Cycloneda munda (Polished Lady Beetle)
- Cycloneda sanguinea (Red Lady Beetle)
Genus Exochomus
- Exochomus quadripustulatus (Pine Lady Beetle)
Genus Harmonia
- Harmonia axyridis (Harlequin Lady Beetle or Asian Lady Beetle)
- Harmonia conformis (Common Australian Lady Beetle)
Genus Hippodamia
- Hippodamia convergens (Convergent Lady Beetle)
- Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (Thirteen-Spotted Lady Beetle)
Genus Hyperaspis
- Hyperaspis signata (Signate Lady Beetle)
Genus Olla
- Olla v-nigrum (Ashy Gray Lady Beetle or Olla v-nigrum)
Genus Propylea
- Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Fourteen-Spotted Lady Beetle)
Genus Psyllobora
- Psyllobora vigintimaculata (Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle)
Genus Scymnus
- Scymnus frontalis
Genus Stethorus
- Stethorus punctillum
Genus Subcoccinella
- Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata (24-Spotted Lady Beetle)
This list includes some of the more well-known and notable species within the Coccinellidae family. The family comprises thousands of species across various genera, each with unique characteristics and distributions.
More About Lady Beetles
Classification and Appearance
Lady beetles, often called by their cute names, belong to the Coccinellidae family. They are in the beetle order Coleoptera. Their family is part of the superfamily Cucujoidea and the suborder Polyphaga. These beetles have a round, dome-like shape with convex backs. Their sizes range from tiny at 1mm to the larger 10mm, depending on their type.
Many lady beetle species are brightly colored. You’ll see them in colors like red, orange, or yellow with lovely patterns. They have short antennae with 8-11 parts, and the end looks a bit like a weak club. Lady beetle larvae are soft and flat, shaped like an “alligator”. They may have bright markings or waxy white tufts.
Predatory Nature
Most lady beetle species eat other small insects and bugs. Their favorite meals are aphids, mealybugs, and fly larvae. They also munch on beetle eggs and pupae. By doing so, lady beetles help keep harmful insect populations low.
Still, a couple of types, like the squash beetle and the Mexican bean beetle, eat plants. They can be bothersome to certain crops. Besides eating other bugs, some lady beetles enjoy nectar, pollen, and fungus. This helps them survive if they can’t find their usual food.
| Lady Beetle Species | Prey | Feeding Habits |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Lady Beetles | Aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, fly larvae, beetle eggs and pupae | Important natural pest control agents |
| Herbivorous Lady Beetles | Squash, beans, and other plants | Can be pests to certain crops |
| Omnivorous Lady Beetles | Nectar, pollen, fungus | Supplement their diet when prey is scarce |
In the end, lady beetles are more than just cute bugs. They are vital in keeping the balance in nature and farms. Their role in eating harmful bugs, and sometimes plants, is crucial. Knowing about their looks, diets, and families helps us see how wonderful they are.
Common Species in North America
Lady beetles, or ladybugs, have over 480 species in North America. Some well-known ones are the Seven-spotted Ladybeetle and the Asian Lady Beetle. The Two-spotted Lady Beetle, Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle, and the Convergent Lady Beetle are also common.
These beetles are mostly from North America. But, the Asian Lady Beetle came from away. People brought it for pest control, or it came by accident.
Colorful and Diverse Patterns
Lady beetles are known for their bright and varied colors. Most are red with black spots, but they come in lots of colors. You can see orange, yellow, black, and even shiny blue or green beetles.
Some have no spots. Others have up to 18 or more. Dark colored forms of the Asian Lady Beetle are seen more now. This variety makes lady beetles really interesting.
There are over 6,000 types of lady beetles in the world. But in North America, we find many colorful and fascinating species. From the Seven-spotted Ladybeetle to the Asian Lady Beetle, lady beetles are always a wonder to see.
Conclusion
Lady beetles, also known as ladybugs, are an amazing group of bugs. They help lots of places stay healthy. There are more than 6,000 kinds of them all over the world. In North America, there are over 480 kinds alone.
Most lady beetles eat insects that can hurt plants. But, a few kinds might be pests for some plants. It’s important to learn all about lady beetles to know why they’re so special.
This guide helps you learn a lot about lady beetles. You can find out what they look like and how they help. It talks about some of the kinds you might see in North America.
The Seven-spotted Ladybug is bright and has spots. The Convergent Lady Beetle is cool in how it acts. Lady beetles come in many shapes and colors.
Lady beetles are very important. They help keep nature’s balance right. If you like plants, nature, or just pretty things, learning more about lady beetles is great.
