Lady Beetles

All 4 species of lady beetles on WAnimals

Each one has its own full profile. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 72 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…?

• It is one of the most colour-polymorphic species known among beetles, to the point that identifying it by eye is not always straightforward.

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• Its elytra carry glands that secrete a waxy substance by which individuals recognise one another and trigger courtship.

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• The larvae are cannibals: when aphids run short they eat the eggs and larvae of their own species.

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• In winter it gathers in large clusters to hibernate together.

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• It releases pheromones that draw others in and ensure there are mates on hand when they wake in spring.

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• It feeds mainly on aphids, eating hundreds of them during its larval stage.

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• It was introduced deliberately as biological control for aphids and scale insects, and ended up an invader: it is established in at least 59 countries outside its native range.

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• It is an intraguild predator: as well as aphids it eats the eggs and larvae of other ladybirds, including native ones.

Ecosystems