Lady Beetle

Coccinellidae

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Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+5 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestsagricultural fieldsanywhere their prey is found

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Coccinellidae

Lifecycle

The lady beetle undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult females lay small, spindle-shaped, yellow to orange eggs in clusters on leaves and stems, usually near aphid colonies. A female can lay from 20 to over 1,000 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in 3-5 days. The larval stage lasts for 20-30 days, during which the alligator-like larva goes through four instars, feeding voraciously on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The larva then attaches itself to a leaf to pupate. The pupal stage lasts for 3-12 days, depending on temperature. The adult emerges from the pupa and can live for a few months to over a year. There can be up to six generations per year, depending on the climate and availability of food.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults hibernate in aggregations in protected places such as under leaf litter, rocks, and bark, as well as in buildings and other man-made structures.

Native Range

Worldwide

Attracted By

aphidsmitessmall insectsinsect eggspollennectaryarrowdillfennel

Companion Planting

Planting flowers that provide pollen and nectar, such as dill, fennel, and yarrow, can help attract and support lady beetle populations. These plants serve as an alternative food source when prey is scarce, encouraging the beetles to stay in the garden and reproduce.