University of Delaware Logo

Lady Beetle

Cooperative Extension
—Factsheets & Publications
Browse available resources.
—Ask Extension
You have questions. We have answers!
—Staff Directory
Contact UD Extension staff.
First State Impacts
Read our latest accomplishments!
Volunteer with Extension
Find out how YOU can get involved!
Summer Scholars
Hands-on experiential learning for UD undergrads!
Plant and Insect Diagnostics
Submit a sample today.
Soil Testing
Analyses to help manage your land.
Garden Helpline
Chat with a DE Master Gardener.
Avian Influenza
Protect your flock.
Jobs at UD Cooperative Extension
Find exciting job opportunities!

Lady Beetle

Updated March 2025 | Written by: Grace Ferry and Brian Kunkel

Overview

  • In the order Coleoptera

  • Beneficial predators

  • Usually red/orange with black spots

Diet

  • Aphids

  • Mites

  • Insect eggs

Appearance

  • Round

  • Black, red, orange, yellow

  • Hardened elytra

Benefits

  • Promotes crop growth

  • Reduced need for pesticide

  • Pollinators

    Fig. 1: Adult Cryptolaemus,
    Fig. 1: Adult Cryptolaemus

    Common Name: Mealybug Destroyer

    Scientific Name: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

    Require temperatures of 70F as they feed on mealybugs (preferred), aphids or scale for 50 d.

     

     

     

      Fig. 2A: Cryptolaemus larvae, Fig. 2B: Mealybug Photo Credits: Sonya Broughton, Department of Agriculture & Food Western Australia, Bugwood.org
      Fig. 2A: Cryptolaemus larvae, Fig. 2B: Mealybug Photo Credits: Sonya Broughton, Department of Agriculture & Food Western Australia, Bugwood.org
      Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
      Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
      Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org
      Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org
      Melissa Schreiner, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
      Melissa Schreiner, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

      Common Name: Asian Lady Beetle

      Scientific Name: Harmonia axyridis

       

      • 6 generations per year

      • Outcompete native beetles

      • One individual can

      • consume 5,ooo aphids or

      • other pests in its adult life

      • span of about 1 year.

      Tom Murray, Bugwood.org
      Tom Murray, Bugwood.org

      Common Name: Twice Stabbed

      Scientific Name: Chilocorusstigma

      • Strong mouthparts that can chew through

      • exoskeletons of other insects

      • Eat the pests that infect plants with disease

      • Protection against predators from tasting bad

      Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
      Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

      Common Name: Spotted Lady Beetle

      Scientific Name: Coleomegilla Maculata

       

      • Six spots and sometimes pink

      • eat pollen as well

      • eat pea, melon, and potato aphids

       

        Download/Print PDF Version

        UD Cooperative Extension

        This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

        In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

        The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Institution and Provider. Visit UD’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance to learn more.

        College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

        Cooperative Extension

        Additional Links

        531 South College Avenue Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2501