Health & Fitness
The Lady Beetle: Beetle, bird, but not Bug -- by Amber Walker -- Muhlenberg College Class of 2016
The Lehigh Valley's native Lady Beetles are getting harder to find
Lucky or not, the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle has become an invasive species since its introduction to the United States. Originally introduced to control the pesky aphid population, the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle population has started to raise concern regarding its own growing population and increasing and invasive presence in foreign ecosystems and threat to native lady beetle species. Without limiting factors to control these Lady Beetles, problems have arose. When introduced in the mid 1980’s, little concern for these adorable beetles existed, although now after controlling the aphid population, they just pose as a nuisance.
Their keen ability to thrive in diverse environments adds to the invasive nature of the Multicolored Asian Ladybeetle. Additionally, these incredible beetles live on average for two to three years and have an incredibly high reproductive yield. These two factors alone also significantly contribute to the growing issue.
The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle has become the most invasive Lady Beetle in the United States. Originally from eastern Asia, this Lady Beetle was originally introduced to the United States in order to control aphid pests, but now has become a pest that are often found nestled in windows, doors, attics, and patios. Even though this species is an annoyance, native species are a blessing, not a curse. In fact, most serve as crucial helpers to gardeners and farmers because they are excellent pest controllers. However, the overbearing presence of the Asian Ladybeetle poses a threat to the helpful native species because they compete for the same food sources.
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Unfortunately, sometimes Lady Beetle larvae are misidentified as pests themselves, and not the pest controllers. This rookie mistake only leads to increased pest persistence. Therefore, it is important to become familiar with the appearance of ladybeetle larvae.
Although Lady Beetle adults are easily identified by their classic oval, red bodies and black spots, larvae are not as easily recognized because they do not look anything like their elder selves. Lady Beetle larvae are often described as having an ‘alligator shape,’ with long, flat bodies. Predatory ladybeetles also have very developed legs, and frankly don’t appear worm-like at all. Larvae coloring and markings vary from species to species; nevertheless, their very distinguished body type is consistent and easily recognizable. Although similar in appearance, it is fairly easy to distinguish native Lady Beetles from the introduced, invasive species. The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles are larger than native Lady Beetles and range in color from yellow to red. Additionally, their spots range in amount, pattern, and size, so these aren’t the best characteristics to use for identification purposes. The easiest way to distinguish the multicolored Asian ladybeetle is by black ‘W’ in the center of their heads.Many people have an uncanny fondness for Lady Beetles, so their invasiveness is minimally bothersome, and perhaps even welcomed. Who could hate the presence of the beloved Lady Beetle? Who would dare squish such a pleasant and harmless being? Although their dotted and red appearance may seem delightful, it serves as critical protection from predators. Predators such as assassin bugs, stink bugs, spiders and toads, are hesitant to prey on ladybeetles because the color red signifies don’t eat me I’m poisonous. And if a predator so bravely chooses to take a bite, they are unpleasantly surprised by a sip of repulsive fluid secreted from the Lady Beetle’s leg—yet another defensive tactic of the Lady Beetle that further contributes to its overabundance.
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Even though some people use the term “Ladybug” interchangeably with “Lady Beetles”, these insects are not bugs at all. Entomologically speaking, true bugs have mouthparts that suck fluids, but beetles chew their food before swallowing, instead of slurping it through a straw. Additionally, the Lady Beetle is commonly referred to as the Ladybird. This is not an acceptable term, since even though they have wings and lay eggs, Lady Beetles are not in the slightest bit related to dinosaurs like birds are.
Most of the Lady Beetles that we encounter in the Lehigh Valley are an invasive species that can be annoying when they come indoors in great numbers, especially in September and November. Even though these ladybugs are not known to eat building materials, wood, or clothing, when they are present in large amounts, this can quickly become a burden instead of just a sign of luck. Although they are simply seeking warmth in the colder months, it is understandable to rather see them outside of the house. Although you are most likely to see the Asian Ladybeetle, keep a look out for native species. Enjoy their presence, admire their responsibilities, and know there is more to them then just looking pretty. Native Lady Beetles are fighters—they’ve lasted despite the competition for resources because of the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle. So, appreciate their rare sightings in the Lehigh Valley—you never know when you might spot one.
The Lady Beetle: Beetle, bird, but not Bug by Amber Walker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.