Among the most helpful of the insect friends a gardener can have is the beautiful ladybug. They are the primary hunter of aphids and eat a number of other common garden pests. Popularized in children’s stories, ladybugs are a common sight in gardens around the world. They are known for being gentle, elegant, and friendly creatures.

However, that’s not the case for all species of ladybugs. In recent decades, certain kinds of ladybugs have been introduced into areas of the world where they have become invasive. When non-native species of ladybugs are introduced, they begin to crowd out the native ladybugs and take over. Most common of these invasive species in the United States is the Asian Ladybeetle which masquerade as their cousins and cause problems for homeowners, gardeners, and the ecosystem.

Ladybug or Ladybird Beetle?

In the United States, the little round insect with a black head, red body, and black spots is typically called a Ladybug. While elsewhere in the English-speaking world, they’re referred to as Ladybirds or Ladybird Beetles. So which is the right name?

This title “Ladybug” is a bit of a misnomer. Ladybugs are not bugs at all. While it’s common for most people to refer to all insects as “bugs,” the term bug refers to insects that have two sets of wings folded on top of one another. While a ladybeetle may appear to have two sets of wings, the distinctive outer later is actually a shell which protects its true wings (called an elytra.) According to the Smithsonian, True Bugs, as they are known, form the order Hemiptera, while “ladybugs” make up a part of the order Coleoptera, which are not bugs but beetles.

All that to say that the correct name for these insects is most accurately Ladybird, Ladybird Beetle, or simply Ladybeetle. For this reason, for the rest of this article, I’ll be referring to these insects as Ladybeetles.

Species Examples

The United States National Park Service has said that there are over 6,000 types of ladybeetles around the world. 500 are considered native to North America.

Below are the types that I have personally observed and identified this summer alone. I will doubtless add to this list as I encounter more varieties.

Author’s Note: As with all the posts on this blog, I only write about what I have personally witnessed. And I only post photos that either I have personally taken or those that others have taken of me or my plants.

Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis)

The most harmful of the ladybeetles introduced to the United States is by far the Asian ladybeetle. Unlike their native cousins, Asian ladybeetles are harmful to humans and considered invasive. Like all ladybeetles, Asian ladybeetles’ shells can be deep red to pale orange in color.

They are most noted for their bite and their distinct smell when crushed. The bite causes a mild pinprick of pain, but isn’t harmful to humans. When crushed, Asian ladybeetles’ hemolymph (the ladybeetle’s blood) has a sour, unpleasant odor. They also release this fluid themselves through leg joints when threatened to deter predators. It is this odor that deters birds and other natural predators from feasting on them and keeping their numbers in check.

Asian ladybeetles overwinter in buildings and man-made structures rather than in dry, autumn foliage. There, they can become a swarm indoors and gather in corners along the ceiling where the air is warmest. People with respiratory issues may find it difficult to breathe in homes where this occurs due to the scent that Asian ladybeetles release.

Convergent Ladybeetle (Hippodamia Convergens)

These friendly creatures are native to North America. The distinctive white stripes on their heads give them their name “Convergent”. They typically have 13 or fewer spots on their shells, which range from red to orange in coloring.

The convergent ladybeetle is the most common species native to North America. As such, if you order ladybeetles in North America to release into your garden, you will likely receive the convergent ladybeetle. (More on releasing ladybeetles to your garden in a bit!)

Seven-Spotted Ladybeetle (Coccinella septempunctata)

I saw this little guy when I took a garden tour at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This little one was hanging out on the citrus trees in the Lower Garden. It felt like such a treat to spot a ladybeetle (pun intended, sorry not sorry) like this one when I wasn’t expecting it.

This is known as the seven-spotted ladybeetle in North America or seven spot ladybird in all other English speaking parts of the world. The seven-spotted ladybeetles are the most common ladybeetle in Europe. They have three large, black spots on each half of its red shell (elytra) and one black spot that spans both shells in the center. Its head is slightly more domed than other ladybeetles. Children’s picture books often depict this species of the iconic ladybeetle.

How to Tell the Difference Between the Native Ladybeetles & the Invasive Asian Ladybeetle

With over 6,000 species of ladybeetles around the world, it may feel like a daunting task to identify one species from another. It’s important to know the difference, especially if you intend to release ladybugs into your garden for pest control. It’s true that all ladybeetles (even invasive ones) will eat pests like aphids and white flies in a garden. However, you’ll find a greater problem on your hands if you release invasive ladybeetles rather than native ones — especially come the cold weather months.

You can easily spot Asian ladybeetles from other ladybeetles by looking for a distinctive white “M” shape on the back and top of their heads. On Asian ladybeetles, this “M” shape is located precisely where the black head meets the red or orange shell. Native ladybeetles don’t have this white “M” shape. It’s a sure-fire way to know which species you’re dealing with.

How to Release Ladybeetles Into Your Garden

Releasing ladybeetles into your garden is a great way to control pests like aphids and white flies naturally. Treating for pests with sprays or pesticides can be harmful to you and your plants – even if you use natural spray methods. Ladybeetles are natural predators and won’t harm your plants while still getting rid of the pests in your garden.

There are a number of retailers online that sell ladybeetles by the hundreds. Even Amazon lists vendors that carry live ladybeetles which they will ship to your door in as little as four days. When I ordered mine, a steel-mesh bag filled with natural packing material allowed them to climb around, airholes in the cardboard packaging allowed the insects to breathe, and water-soaked cotton swabs kept them hydrated during their journey.

When they arrive, don’t leave them in their packaging for too long. But don’t release them in the heat of the day, either. Releasing ladybeetles in the daylight hours will encourage them to fly away instead of staying close where you (and your plants) need them. Wait for the early evening hours and water your plants just before releasing your ladybugs. Your ladybeetles will be thirsty when they’re first released so they’ll appreciate a drink of water. As the sun sets, they’ll find a place to bed down in your garden for the night. In the morning, they’ll be up bright and early for the buffet your garden offers. If there’s sufficient food for them, you can expect to see ladybeetles for weeks after you release them.

Conclusion

Ladybeetles are some of nature’s most delightful garden friends. It’s well worth understanding the differences between native and non-native species of ladybeetles. Let me know if this guide has been beneficial to you and if you’ve encountered any other kinds of ladybeetles in your garden!