Look for this species at ground level in gardens and parks. This ladybug lives in several different habitats, including mixed forests, meadows, or fields. The Fourteen-spotted Ladybird Beetle is now widespread in Washington and continues to spread.įourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle Range Map This species was brought to North America to help control Russian Wheat Aphids. As the name suggests, there are fourteen black rectangular spots on their back, which may be fused together at the midline.For example, the primary exoskeleton color can be cream to yellow to orange, but interestingly not red. Comes in over 100 varieties of colors and pattern variations.Hopefully, they put a buyer beware notice on the container! : ) However, once the person purchases and releases them, they usually fly away. When these ladybugs are in their large groups, they are collected and then sold in garden centers as a source of pest control. They do this to mate and stay warm during hibernation! Unfortunately, in certain areas, they are being outcompeted and replaced by the invasive Asian Ladybeetle.īoth adults and larvae feed on aphids, but adults will also eat whiteflies, other insects, pollen, and other plant materials.ĭuring colder weather, Convergent Lady Beetles form large groups called aggregations. Look for this pretty species in your yard or garden. This species is a common native ladybug in Washington.Ĭonvergent Lady Beetles live in a wide variety of habitats. The head is black with two white spots.Oval, dark orange body with as many as 13 black spots that vary in size.Females will even lay more unfertilized eggs so their young will have enough to eat. It may surprise you that these tiny and sweet ladybugs are cannibals and will eat their own kind! This is because they do not like to go hungry. However, their primary food source is the Cottony Cushion Scale which is a pest that eats citrus and native trees. Like most ladybugs, Cardinal Ladybirds regularly feed on aphids and small mites. The Cardinal Ladybird has now spread to every continent except Antarctica. This ladybug species is originally native to Australia and was brought here for biological pest control. The Cardinal Ladybird can be found all over Washington. Also known as the Vedalia beetle, Vedalia Lady Beetle.Red wings with black spots, black legs, brown feet, and brown antennae.The upperside is covered in short hairs.Novius cardinalis-formerly known as Rodolia cardinalis.They are not actually “ladybugs,” but are look very similar and confuse a lot of people!* *Make sure you make it to the end of the list to see the last two insects. Today, you will learn about the 12 ladybug species that live in Washington. □īut the main reason that ladybugs are so well-loved by backyard gardeners and farmers is because of their voracious appetite for pests! Ladybugs are known to eat a wide variety of problem bugs, such as aphids, chinch bugs, asparagus beetle larvae, alfalfa weevils, bean thrips, grape rootworm, Colorado potato beetles larvae, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. I also think most people appreciate the fact that they don’t bite or sting humans. It is not surprising that the ladybug is one of the most beloved insects in the world!įirst, ladybugs are small, beautiful creatures that feature vibrant red or yellow colors. What types of ladybugs live in Washington?
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