Print This Page
Ladybugs, ladybird beetles and lady beetles are all the same beneficial insects - just different common names. The ladybug is considered the poster child of beneficial insects and there are hundreds of species. Since there is plenty of incorrect information about at least one of the many species of helpful insects, here’s a rundown on all the main players in this category.
Ladybug Newsletter
LADYBUGS NEWSLETTER
 |
Convergent ladybug - Hippodamia convergens is one of our native ladybugs and the one that you will normally receive when buying from an insectary. |
 |
Ash gray ladybug - Olla v-nigrum, also called ashy gray lady beetle, is an unusual ladybug completely different from common the colorful species although in the same family (Coccinellidae). |
 |
Twice stabbed ladybug - This pretty, shiny black, round ladybug with two red or orange spots on the back is a great friend because it likes to eat destructive scale insects. |
 |
Mealybug destroyers - Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, also called mealybug ladybird, is unlike many of the often brightly colored Coccinellidae because it is predominantly brown and has no spots. |
 |
Pink spotted ladybug - The C-mac ladybug, found along the Canadian and the United States border region, fast, very active and a great feeder on eggs of other insects. |
 |
Seven-spotted ladybug - Coccinella septempunctata, in North America called "C-7", is the most common ladybird in Europe and a voracious eater of aphids here. |
 |
Asian ladybug - Harmonia axyridis is native to China, Russia, Korea and Japan, but has been here some time being imported in the 60’s to help with aphid control on crops. |
Here are some other useful resources from DirtDoctor.com:
To discuss this newsletter or any other topic, tune in each Sunday 8am - 11am central time to the Dirt Doctor Radio Show. The call-in phone number is 1-866-444-3478. Listen on the internet or click here to find a station in your area.
Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help me spread the word on the proper way to select, plant and maintain plants.
Naturally yours,
Howard Garrett
The Dirt Doctor
Search Library Topics Search Newspaper Columns
