Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles, undergo a fascinating transformation through four distinct stages in their life cycle: Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. Each stage is unique and easily identifiable with the right knowledge. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify each stage. 

1. Egg Stage 

Ladybug eggs are usually laid in clusters on the underside of leaves, near aphid colonies or other food sources. The eggs are small, oval-shaped, and can be yellow, orange, or pale in color. A female ladybug can lay hundreds of eggs over several months during the spring and early summer.

2. Larva Stage 

Ladybug larvae look quite different from their adult counterparts. They resemble tiny alligators with elongated, segmented bodies that are typically black or dark gray with bright yellow or orange spots. Larvae are voracious predators, feeding primarily on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. This stage lasts for about two to four weeks, during which the larvae will molt several times, growing larger with each molt.

3. Pupa Stage 

During the pupal stage, the ladybug undergoes metamorphosis. The larvae attach themselves to a leaf or other surface and form a pupal casing. The pupa is typically orange or yellow with black markings. Inside this casing, the larva transforms into an adult ladybug. This stage lasts for about seven to fifteen days.

4. Adult Stage 

The final stage is the adult ladybug. When they first emerge from the pupal stage, their exoskeleton is soft and their colors are pale. Within a few hours, their exoskeleton hardens, and their vibrant colors and spots develop. Adult ladybugs are typically red or orange with black spots, although there is significant variation among species. Adults are also predators of aphids and other garden pests and are beneficial for pest control in gardens.

Buy Ladybugs in Calgary

Does IncrediGrow sell Asian Lady Beetles? 

No. We sell Convergent Lady Beetles. These are not only North American Lady Bugs; they THE North American Lady Bug. The Convergent Lady Beetle is native to North America and is easily recognizable by the two converging white lines on the pronotum (the area behind the head). While they might look a bit different from what you're used to, rest assured that they are not the Asian Lady Beetles, which are often considered pests. (Although this reputation may be a little bit unwarranted.)

Convergent Lady Bugs are beneficial for your garden as they feed on aphids and other soft-bodied pests, making them a natural and effective form of pest control. If you have any further concerns or questions about identifying lady beetles in your garden, feel free to ask!

I'm used to seeing bigger ladybugs! 

People in Western Canada are accustomed to seeing two-spot and seven-spot lady beetles because these species are common in the region. The two-spot ladybug (Adalia bipunctata) and the seven-spot ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) are both well-known and easily identifiable by their distinct markings.

The two-spot lady beetle is typically red or orange with two black spots, one on each wing cover. This species is favored for its effectiveness in managing aphid populations, making it a common sight in gardens and agricultural fields.

The seven-spot lady beetle is originally from Europe and has been introduced across North America. It has a characteristic pattern of seven black spots on its red or orange wing covers. This species is highly valued for its voracious appetite for pests, particularly aphids, which makes it a natural ally for gardeners and farmers alike.

Their successful establishment and proliferation in the region are due to their adaptability, reproductive success, and the intentional introduction through biological control programs. This makes them more common than the native Convergent Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens), despite the latter's significant role in the ecosystem.

Lady Bug, Lady Bird, Lady Beetle? 

When it comes to the tiny, colorful insects commonly found in gardens and fields, the terms "lady bug," "lady beetle," and "lady bird" often arise. These phrases, though sometimes used interchangeably, have distinct nuances and origins.

Lady Bug / Ladybug

In North America, "lady bug" is the most commonly used term. This name evokes a friendly, almost endearing image of the small, spotted insect. Despite the "bug" in its name, lady bugs are not true bugs but rather beetles.

Lady Beetle / Ladybeetle

"Lady beetle" is a term preferred by entomologists and scientists. It is more accurate because it highlights the insect's classification within the beetle order (Coleoptera). This term is gaining traction in academic and scientific communities due to its precision.

Lady Bird / Ladybird

In the United Kingdom and some other parts of the world, these insects are often referred to as "lady birds." This term has historical roots and is tied to the folklore and cultural references in those regions. Despite its poetic charm, "lady bird" is less commonly used in scientific literature.

Are Asian Lady Beetles bad?

Asian Lady Beetles are effective predators of agricultural pests such as aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects. This makes them valuable in gardens and farms for naturally controlling pest populations without the need for chemical pesticides.

However, Asian Lady Beetles are not native to North America and can outcompete native ladybug species, such as the Convergent Ladybug. This can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.

Asian Lady Beetles have developed quite a reputation, leading to several myths about their behavior and impact. Let's bust some of these common myths:

Myth: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) are harmful to plants.

Busted: Like their native counterparts, Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) are beneficial predators in gardens. They primarily feed on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied pests, which helps protect plants. However, they do not feed on plants themselves and do not cause direct harm to vegetation.

Myth: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) are dangerous to humans.

Busted: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) are not dangerous to humans. However, like all ladybug species, they can "nip" or pinch when they land on skin, especially when they feel threatened. This bite is typically mild and not harmful, though it can be uncomfortable. Importantly, they do not transmit diseases to humans or pets.

Myth: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) invade homes to cause damage.

Busted: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) enter homes in the fall to find a warm place to overwinter, not to cause damage. They do not eat wood, fabric, or other household materials. However, they can be a nuisance due to their tendency to congregate in large numbers, and when crushed, they can release a yellowish, foul-smelling liquid that can stain surfaces.

Myth: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) are impossible to get rid of.

Busted: While it can be challenging to prevent these bugs from entering your home, they are not impossible to manage. Sealing cracks and crevices, using weather stripping, and installing screens on windows and vents can help keep them out. Once inside, they can be vacuumed up (use a vacuum with a bag that can be disposed of to avoid odors). Professional pest control methods can also be effective if infestations are large.

Myth: Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) can get stuck and embedded in dog mouths.

Busted: This myth has some truth to it, but it’s often exaggerated or misunderstood.

Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) have a defense mechanism where they secrete a yellowish, foul-smelling liquid when they feel threatened. This secretion can taste bitter and cause irritation. If a dog licks or chews on a surface where these bugs are present, or if the bugs land in the dog’s mouth, they might release this irritating substance.

In some cases, these bugs, like other ladybug species—including the non-native Seven-Spotted Ladybug—can temporarily cling to a dog’s mouth or tongue due to their small size and their tendency to seek out warm, moist places. This can cause the dog discomfort, irritation, or excessive drooling. However, it’s important to note that there is no species of ladybug, including Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) and other ladybugs, that will embed itself into tissue. The idea that these bugs get "embedded" in a dog’s mouth, burrow into tissues, or cause severe harm is largely overstated.

While it’s possible for a dog to experience mild discomfort from these bugs, it’s not common for them to cause serious health issues. If a dog encounters Asian Lady Beetles (Asian Lady Bugs) or other ladybugs and shows signs of distress, rinsing the mouth with water and seeking veterinary advice if symptoms persist is the best course of action.