There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world. These much loved critters are also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. While most of the time, they are considered to be lucky, and often enjoyable, these insects do tend to show up in swarms at certain times of the year and can become a real nuisance to homeowners. However, although a swarm of them can be annoying at times, they serve a great purpose in our ecosystem. So, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation wanted to share some interesting facts you may not have known about them!
7 Surprising Facts About Ladybugs
1. The ladybug life cycle begins when a batch of bright-yellow eggs are laid on branches near food sources. They hatch as larvae in four to 10 days and then spend about three weeks feeding. Once they're well-fed, they'll begin to build a pupa, and after seven to 10 days they emerge as adults. The insects typically live for about a year.
2. Ladybug larvae look nothing like a ladybug! As larvae, they have long, pointed abdomens, spiny bodies, and legs that protrude from their sides. The larvae feed and grow for about a month, and during this stage they often consume hundreds of aphids.
3. Technically, they're lady beetles, not bugs. What's the difference? For starters, bugs have needle-like mouth parts whereas beetles have chewing mouthparts. Plus, beetles have harder wings than bugs do (if they have them at all). Also, bugs have a mostly liquid diet and beetles don't.
4. Most commonly, ladybugs are red and black or yellow and black, but some are as plain as black and white, others as exotic as dark blue and orange. Some species of ladybug are spotted, others have stripes, and still others sport a checked pattern. Color patterns are connected to their habitat.
5. Ladybugs are colorful for a reason. Their markings tell predators: "Eat something else! I taste terrible." When threatened, the bugs will secrete an oily, foul-tasting fluid from joints in their legs.
6. Farmers and gardeners love them because they eat aphids and other plant-eating pests. One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime! But they don't just eat aphids. They also eat fruit flies, thrips, mites and other plant-damaging insects.
7. The 'Lady' Part of Their Name is Said to Refer to the Virgin Mary. According to the Lost Ladybug Project: "During the Middle Ages in Europe, swarms of aphids were destroying crops. The farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help, and help came in the form of ladybugs that devoured the plant‐destroying pests and saved the crops. The grateful farmers named these insects 'Our Lady’s beetles,' a name which had endured to present day."
8. Often confused, ladybugs and Asian lady beetles are similar, but NOT the same! Asian lady beetles are typically somewhat more aggressive than native varieties and may bite if they land on the skin. At a quick glance, it can be hard to tell the difference between the Asian ladybug and the native ladybugs. But if you look closely, you will see the Asian ladybug has a white marking behind its head in the openings of what looks like a black M. These are typically the 'lady beetles' you see that invade homes in swarms.
Ladybugs Are Amazing Critters!
Most people like ladybugs because they are pretty, graceful, and harmless to humans. But as you have now learned, they also serve as an important part of the ecosystem by cleaning up pests and plant-damaging insects! We hope this list of facts will help you to better appreciate these interesting insects!
While it is our job to provide pest control at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's also our duty to educate you on the insects that are not technically pests, but merely there. However, the next time you’re dealing with destructive pests, call up the best pest control service at the Lake of the Ozarks to take care of your pesky pest problems.
