What kind of insect is a ladybug

There two species of lady beetles in Kentucky that feed on plants rather than insects. They are the Mexican bean beetle and the squash beetle. Both are very easy to recognize. Mexican bean beetle adults, which feed on garden beans and occasionally soybeans, have orange bodies with eight black spots on each wing cover, Squash beetles, which attack squash, pumpkin, and cantaloupe, have only seven spots.

The larvae are also very distinctive and shouldn't be mistaken for predaceous larvae, because they have large forked spines across their yellowish orange bodies. Lady beetles can play an important role in managing some insect pests in crops and landscapes. Here are some things that you can do to maximize their impact. The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.

Figure 1. Lady beetle larva feeding on aphids Figure 2. Cluster of lady beetle eggs Adult females usually lay clusters of eggs on plants close to aphid, scale, or mealybug colonies.

Common Kentucky Lady Beetles While there are many species of lady beetles in Kentucky, a few are very common in agricultural fields, home gardens and landscapes, and wooded areas. Figure 3. Most importantly, when it gets cold they seek shelter outdoors.

Asian lady beetles are considered a true pest. Unlike ladybugs, Asian lady beetles will gather in large groups, especially around warm, reflective surfaces like windows. Worst of all, Asian lady beetles will attempt to enter your home when they look for overwintering shelters. Numerous releases occurred in the United States; high populations have been reported in Washington, Oregon, Georgia and Virginia.

The insects apparently did not establish in eastern Washington, but chose to relocate in western Washington. Others may have arrived here as unintentional passengers aboard cargo ships. WSU Extension. Definitions: Elytra - either of the front wings in beetles and some other insects which cover and protect the functional hind wings.

Larva - the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose. Lady Beetles - Cornell University. Lady Beetles - Washington State University. One ladybug can eat up to 5, insects in its lifetime! Most ladybugs have oval, dome-shaped bodies with six short legs.

Depending on the species, they can have spots, stripes, or no markings at all. Seven-spotted ladybugs are red or orange with three spots on each side and one in the middle. They have a black head with white patches on either side. Ladybugs are colorful for a reason. Their markings tell predators: "Eat something else! I taste terrible. They may also play dead.

Birds are ladybugs' main predators, but they also fall victim to frogs , wasps, spiders, and dragonflies. Ladybugs lay their eggs in clusters or rows on the underside of a leaf, usually where aphids have gathered.