Ladybugs belong to the animal kingdom and are classified within the order Coleoptera, which includes all beetles. They are part of the family Coccinellidae, a group known for their domed, often brightly colored bodies and beneficial role in ecosystems. Despite their common name “bugs,” ladybugs are beetles and exhibit the hard forewings and chewing mouthparts characteristic of their order. Their scientific classification places them among insects with complete metamorphosis.
These beetles are easily recognized by their rounded, convex shape, short legs, and often bright coloration featuring spots, stripes, or solid colors. Their appearance serves a defensive purpose, warning potential predators that they may be toxic or unpalatable. The hard outer wings, called elytra, protect the delicate flight wings underneath and also contribute to their characteristic glossy look. Coloration varies widely, with species exhibiting hues from red and orange to yellow, black, and even metallic tones.
Ladybugs are found on every continent except Antarctica and thrive in a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and urban gardens. They are particularly common where plant-eating insects are abundant, making them a familiar sight to gardeners and farmers. Their presence often signals a healthy, balanced environment due to their reliance on other insects as a food source.
In terms of behavior and diet, ladybugs are predominantly carnivorous during both their larval and adult stages. They feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites, and scale insects, playing an essential role in natural pest control. Their appetite helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides, making them valued allies in integrated pest management strategies worldwide. A few species feed on plant material or fungi, but predation remains the dominant trait.
The life cycle of a ladybug includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay clusters of eggs on leaves near food sources, and the emerging larvae begin feeding immediately. Larvae look very different from adults and are often spiny and elongated. After a few weeks of feeding and growth, the larvae pupate and eventually emerge as mature beetles. The entire process may take just a few weeks, allowing for multiple generations in a single season.
Ladybugs have a range of defensive adaptations to protect themselves from predators. Beyond their warning coloration, many can secrete a yellow, foul-smelling fluid from their leg joints—a behavior known as reflex bleeding. This fluid contains toxic compounds that deter birds and other insectivores. Their small size and ability to fly also help them escape danger quickly.
Types of Ladybug
Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)
This is one of the most recognizable ladybugs, with seven black spots on its bright red wing covers—three on each side and one central spot. Native to Europe, it has spread widely and is known for its role in controlling aphid populations in gardens and agricultural fields.
Convergent Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens)
Named for the white lines that converge behind its head, this species is common in North America. It typically has 13 black spots on orange to red elytra and is widely used in biological pest control, especially in greenhouses and crop systems.
Two-Spotted Ladybug (Adalia bipunctata)
This small species usually displays two black spots on a red or orange body, though color forms can vary widely. Native to Europe and North America, it’s a generalist predator that feeds on aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
Often confused with native ladybugs, this species varies in color from yellow to red, with 0 to 22 black spots. It’s a strong predator but also known to invade homes in large numbers during winter. Originally from Asia, it has become widespread in the U.S. and Europe.
Twenty-Spotted Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintimaculata)
This tiny species features a cream or pale yellow body with twenty small black spots. Unlike most ladybugs, it feeds primarily on fungus—especially powdery mildew—making it an important player in plant health.
Thirteen-Spotted Ladybug (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata)
With 13 black spots on a reddish-orange back, this species is commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas. It plays a key role in regulating aphid populations in its preferred habitats and is found in North America and parts of Europe.
Twenty-Two-Spotted Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
This small, yellow ladybug is covered with 22 distinct black spots. Unlike its predatory relatives, it is fungivorous, feeding on mildew on plants, and is typically found in temperate Europe and Asia.
Pink-Spotted Ladybug (Coleomegilla maculata)
This type features a pink to reddish hue with black spots, and is commonly found across North and Central America. It feeds on aphids but also consumes pollen and nectar, making it a bit more omnivorous than most other species.
Twice-Stabbed Ladybug (Chilocorus stigma)
This striking black ladybug has two bright red spots, giving it a “stabbed” appearance. It feeds on scale insects and is often found in forests and orchards. It’s especially useful in controlling pest insects on trees.
Ashy Gray Ladybug (Olla v-nigrum)
This species varies from ashy gray to black, often with a distinctive white “M” or “W” shape on its pronotum. It preys on aphids and scale insects and is common in gardens and wooded areas in North America.
Eye-Spotted Ladybug (Anatis mali)
Larger than many ladybug species, this one has distinctive eyespots on each wing cover, which may deter predators. It primarily preys on aphids and is often found on trees, especially apple and other fruit trees in North America.
Fifteen-Spotted Ladybug (Anatis labiculata)
This pale-colored ladybug has fifteen black spots on its light brown or pinkish wings. Native to North America, it is often seen on coniferous trees and plays a beneficial role in controlling tree-dwelling aphids and adelgids.
Eighteen-Spotted Ladybug (Myrrha octodecimguttata)
This ladybug is typically reddish-brown with eighteen pale or white spots on its elytra. It is more commonly found in coniferous forests across Europe and parts of Asia, where it feeds on aphids that infest pine and spruce trees.
Variegated Ladybug (Hippodamia variegata)
This species has variable coloration, often red or orange with a variable number of black spots. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has been introduced elsewhere as a biological control agent for aphids and mealybugs.
Steelblue Ladybug (Halmus chalybeus)
Native to Australia and New Zealand, this ladybug is metallic blue or purple and smaller than most others. It preys on scale insects and is widely used in orchards and citrus groves for natural pest control.
Fifteen-Spotted Ladybug (Anatis labiculata)
Despite being previously listed, it’s worth noting this large, pale-colored species again due to its distinct behavior and seasonal color variation. It often inhabits woodlands, particularly in cooler, high-altitude areas, and has a strong preference for arboreal aphids.
Western Blood-Red Ladybug (Cycloneda sanguinea)
This species has shiny, deep red elytra without any visible spots and a black and white pronotum that gives it a distinct look. Found in North and South America, it is a fierce predator of aphids and whiteflies in warm climates.
Transverse Ladybug (Coccinella transversoguttata)
Easily identified by a black bar across the red wing covers, this species is native to North America and is commonly found in grasslands and fields. Its diet includes aphids and small insect eggs, and it is often found on alfalfa and clover.
Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)
Though it doesn’t look like a typical ladybug, this species belongs to the lady beetle family. It has a dark brown to black body with orange-brown head and tail segments. Native to Australia, it’s globally used in biocontrol programs against mealybugs and scale insects, especially in citrus and ornamental crops.
Fourteen-Spotted Ladybug (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata)
This small, yellow ladybug has fourteen black spots, some of which may be fused into unique patterns. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America. It feeds on aphids and small soft-bodied insects in gardens, forests, and farmlands.
Hieroglyphic Ladybug (Coccinella hieroglyphica)
Found mainly in boreal forests of Europe and Asia, this ladybug has a pattern of black marks resembling hieroglyphs on a red or orange background. It prefers coniferous habitats and is specialized in feeding on aphids that attack spruce and fir trees.