Ladybugs!

It's the one insect that most of us are not scared of-ladybugs.  They are so cute, you can find them on bedding in children's rooms, the theme for a birthday party, or a costume for Halloween.  Ladybugs are actually a type of beetle, and they are part of the family known as Coccinellidae.  The word coccinelid is derived from the Latin word "coccineus" which means "scarlet."  Although we mostly think of ladybugs as red, they can come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and pink.  Most ladybugs have black spots on their wing covers, although some have no spots at all.



photo courtesy of www.betterbugs.com

Ladybugs are also called "ladybirds" or "lady beetles" in other parts of the world.  The story goes that in the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops in Europe.  The Catholic farmers prayed to the virgin Mary.  Then, ladybugs appeared and ate the pests that were destroying crops.  The farmers called them "The Beetles of Our Lady."  They eventually became known as "Lady beetles."  The red wings represent Mary's cloak and the black spots represent her joys and sorrows.  In the United States, the name has become ladybugs.

There are over 5,000 species described worldwide.  In North America, we have around 450 native species.  Ladybugs range in size from 1-10 mm.  They have oval, dome-shaped bodies.  As the farmers in the above story discovered, ladybugs are beneficial because they feed on aphids or scale insects that are agricultural pests.



Ladybug with no spots; photo by Dan Parsons; www.ladybug-life-cycle.com

One of the most common species of Coccinellid is Harmonia axyridis, also called the harlequin ladybug.  This species was introduced to America from Asia to control aphids, but it now out numbers many native species.

In the fall, ladybugs begin to appear indoors as they look for somewhere to spend the winter.  You may see them gathering on the south side of your home.  Buildings and homes near woods or fields are more likely to have an infestation.  Ladybugs are also more drawn to light colored homes.  Older homes are more at risk due to inadequate insulation.  



Yellow ladybug; photo courtesy of www.everything-ladybug.com

The bright colors of ladybugs make them look unappealing to potential predators.  They can also secrete some of the their yellow blood, called reflex bleeding, when they sense danger.  This has a foul taste and smell and can also leave stains.  It is also thought that ladybugs can trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions in some people.

As with other insects seeking shelter in your home, they best way to keep them out is to check your home for possible entry points.  Seal up all cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and clapboards.