Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are recognizable insects with their distinctive round bodies and bright, spotted wing covers. These small creatures are a familiar sight in gardens and are generally regarded with affection. Their charming appearance often sparks curiosity about their daily lives, particularly what they consume to sustain themselves. While widely appreciated, the specific dietary habits of these fascinating insects are often not fully understood by the general public.
Their Primary Diet
Ladybugs are primarily known for their voracious appetite for aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, often causing damage to cultivated plants. Ladybugs are considered beneficial predators in agricultural settings due to their ability to control these widespread pests.
Adult ladybugs use specialized mouthparts, including mandibles, to grasp and consume aphids. A single adult ladybug can consume approximately 50 aphids per day and up to 5,000 aphids over its lifetime. Ladybug larvae are even more active predators than adults. They are often described as alligator-shaped and can eat hundreds of aphids as they grow before pupating. Ladybugs typically lay their eggs in clusters near aphid colonies, ensuring that the newly hatched larvae have an immediate food source.
Beyond Aphids
While aphids form a significant part of their diet, ladybugs also consume other soft-bodied insects, especially when aphid populations are low. These alternative prey include scale insects, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and insect eggs. Certain ladybug species specialize in particular prey; for instance, some species in the Stethorus genus feed predominantly on spider mites, and others prefer scale insects.
Beyond insect prey, ladybugs supplement their diet with non-insect food sources. Pollen and nectar provide essential nutrients and energy, particularly for adult ladybugs. Ladybugs are often attracted to shallow flowers like dill, coriander, and alyssum, which allow them easy access to pollen and nectar. Some species also consume fungi, mildew, and even the sugary honeydew excreted by aphids.
What Not to Eat and How to Support Them
Ladybugs are beneficial insects that do not typically consume garden plants or crops themselves. They prey on pests that harm plants, thus protecting vegetation rather than damaging it. However, it is worth noting that a few species, such as the Mexican bean beetle and squash beetle, are herbivorous and do feed on plants.
To support ladybugs in a garden:
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides, as these chemicals can harm ladybugs along with target pests.
Plant nectar-rich flowers like dill, yarrow, and sweet alyssum to attract adult ladybugs and provide them with supplemental food sources.
Ensure a water source, such as shallow dishes with wet sand or pebbles, also helps keep ladybugs in the garden.
Leave some plant debris or create simple shelters to provide overwintering sites for ladybugs, encouraging them to remain in the area.