18 Types of Ladybugs Which You Should Know About

The Ladybug Swarm on the Wood
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Ladybugs. Who doesn’t love those cute little beetles with their charming spots? They might look like simple garden friends, but there’s a whole lot more to them than meets the eye.

Let’s chat about 18 types of ladybugs that you should know about. Each one has its own unique quirks and features, so pay attention, and letโ€™s begin!

1. Seven-Spotted Ladybug

A 7-Spot Ladybug on the leaf

The seven-spotted ladybug is probably the one that pops into your head when you think of ladybugs. This classic beetle has a red body with three spots on each wing and one in the middle.

It’s like the poster child for ladybugs everywhere. Originating from Europe, itโ€™s been introduced to North America to help with pest control. These little guys love munching on aphids, making them a gardenerโ€™s best friend.

Color Red with black spots
Number of Spots Seven
Size Medium
Native Region Europe, introduced to North America

2. Two-Spotted Ladybug

2-Spot Ladybug Eating Cotton Aphid

Meet the minimalist of the ladybug world, the two-spotted ladybug. It sports a bright red body with just two black spots, one on each wing cover.ย  This species is common in North America and Europe.

It’s not just a pretty face either; itโ€™s known for its voracious appetite for aphids and other plant pests. Sadly, its numbers have been dwindling due to competition with invasive species.

Color Red with black spots
Number of Spots Two
Size Small to medium
Native Region North America, Europe

3. Asian Lady Beetle

Asian Lady Beetle without spots

The Asian lady beetle might seem friendly, but itโ€™s a bit of a troublemaker. Often mistaken for native species, it comes in various colors from red to orange, with or without spots.

Introduced to control pests, it’s now considered invasive in many

areas. These beetles can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers seeking shelter from the cold.

Color Red, orange, yellow
Number of Spots Varies, can have none
Size Medium
Native Region Asia

4. Fourteen-Spotted Ladybug

Two 14-Spot Ladybugs on a Leaf

If youโ€™re into patterns, the fourteen-spotted ladybug will catch your eye. Unlike its red counterparts, itโ€™s usually yellow or white with black spots that can fuse into stripes.

Found in Europe and parts of North America, this species prefers dining on mildew and small insects. Its unique look makes it a fascinating find.

Color Yellow or white with black spots
Number of Spots Fourteen
Size Small
Native Region Europe, North America

5. Convergent Lady Beetle

Swarm of Convergent Lady Beetles

The convergent lady beetle is a true aphid annihilator. Recognizable by its orange-red color and distinctive converging white lines on the pronotum, itโ€™s native to North America.

This species is often used in biological control programs because of its efficiency in reducing aphid populations. If you see a swarm of them, they’re probably on a pest control mission.

Color Orange-red with white lines and black spots
Number of Spots Varies
Size Medium
Native Region North America

6. Pink-Spotted Ladybug

Pink-Spotted Ladybug on Butterfly Weed

The pink-spotted ladybug brings a bit of pastel charm to the beetle world. It has a pinkish or yellowish body with black spots, making it quite different from the typical red ladybug.

Found in North America, itโ€™s another avid consumer of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Its delicate color makes it a delightful surprise in the garden.

Color Pink or yellow with black spots
Number of Spots Varies
Size Medium
Native Region North America

7. Twenty-Spotted Ladybug

Twenty-Spot Ladybug

Now, hereโ€™s a ladybug thatโ€™s not into the whole red-and-black look. The twenty-spotted ladybug has a tan or light brown body with an array of black spots, often forming two rows on each wing cover.

Found across North America, it primarily feeds on mildew rather than insects, adding some variety to the ladybug diet spectrum.

Color Tan or light brown with black spots
Number of Spots Twenty
Size Small
Native Region North America

8. Eye-Spotted Ladybug

Eye-Spotted Ladybug

The eye-spotted ladybug brings some visual flair with its unique markings. Sporting a red or orange body, it has large black spots with pale rings, resembling eyes.

This species is native to North America and prefers habitats with plenty of aphids. Its distinct appearance makes it a fun find for bug enthusiasts.

Color Red or orange with black “eye” spots
Number of Spots Usually eight
Size Medium
Native Region North America

9. Three-Banded Ladybug

Three-Banded Ladybug

Simplicity at its best, the three-banded ladybug has a unique pattern of three black bands across its red or orange wing covers.ย  Itโ€™s commonly found in Europe and North America.

This species is another valuable ally in controlling aphid populations, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Color Red or orange with black bands
Number of Bands Three
Size Medium
Native Region Europe, North America

10. Ashy Gray Lady Beetle

Ashy Gray Lady Beetle on the Leaf

The ashy gray lady beetle stands out with its dull, grayish-white color and small black spots. Found mainly in the western United States, it thrives in dry habitats.

Despite its less vibrant appearance, it’s just as effective at pest control as its more colorful cousins.

Color Grayish-white with black spots
Number of Spots Varies
Size Medium
Native Region Western United States

11. Twenty-Two-Spotted Ladybug

The mating of the 22-spot ladybugs

Imagine a ladybug that’s gone dot-crazy. The twenty-two-spotted ladybug is bright yellow with, you guessed it, twenty-two black spots.

Native to Europe, it’s also found in North America. This small species primarily feeds on mildew, making it a useful ally in keeping certain plant diseases at bay.

Color Yellow with black spots
Number of Spots Twenty-two
Size Small
Native Region Europe, North America

12. Cream-Spotted Ladybug

A Cream-Spotted Ladybug on the Cow Parsley Flower

The cream-spotted ladybug sports a reddish-orange body with large, creamy white spots.ย  Found across Europe and parts of North America, itโ€™s a voracious predator of aphids.

Its striking coloration makes it easy to spot, even among dense foliage.

Color Reddish-orange with white spots
Number of Spots Varies
Size Medium
Native Region Europe, North America

13. Polished Lady Beetle

Polished Lady Beetle with no Spots on the hand

The polished lady beetle is a sleek, shiny red beetle with no spots. Native to North America, itโ€™s often found in woodlands and gardens.

This species is a diligent hunter of aphids and other plant pests, making it a valuable garden ally despite its less colorful appearance.

Color Shiny red with no spots
Number of Spots None
Size Medium
Native Region North America

14. Fifteen-Spotted Ladybug

Fifteen-spotted Ladybug on the wood

The fifteen-spotted ladybug might be mistaken for the common seven-spotted one, but look closer. It has a unique white body with black spots, giving it an almost inverted appearance compared to the traditional red and black ladybugs.

Found in North America, itโ€™s known for its effectiveness in controlling aphid populations. This beetle’s striking contrast makes it an interesting addition to any bug collection.

Color White with black spots
Number of Spots Fifteen
Size Medium
Native Region North America

15. Twice-Stabbed Ladybug

Twice Stabbed Lady Beetle in the garden

With a name as dramatic as its appearance, the twice-stabbed ladybug is a standout. It has a shiny black body with two bright red spots, resembling tiny stab wounds.

Found in North America, particularly in the southeastern regions, itโ€™s another avid consumer of aphids and scale insects. Its unique coloration makes it easily recognizable and a fascinating sight in gardens.

Color Black with red spots
Number of Spots Two
Size Small
Native Region North America

16. Variegated Ladybug

Variegated Ladybug on the Dryer's Rocket plant

The variegated ladybug adds some variety to the mix with its multiple color forms. It can range from yellow to orange, while the number of black spots can vary, sometimes forming intricate patterns.

Found in different parts of the world, including North America and Europe, this species is highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse environments. Its varying appearance makes it a fun find for ladybug enthusiasts.

Color Yellow to orange with black spots
Number of Spots Varies
Size Medium
Native Region Worldwide

17. Thirteen-Spotted Ladybug

Thirteen-Spotted Ladybug on a wilted leaf

The thirteen-spotted ladybug keeps it simple yet striking with its red body and thirteen black spots. Commonly found in North America, itโ€™s a reliable predator of aphids and other small insects.

This speciesโ€™ straightforward appearance and beneficial habits make it a favorite among gardeners and farmers alike.

Color Red with black spots
Number of Spots Thirteen
Size Medium
Native Region North America

18. Nine-Spotted Ladybug

Two nine-spotted ladybugs eating aphids

Last but definitely not least, the nine-spotted ladybug has an endearing appearance with its red body and nine black spots. Once common in North America, its population has declined due to competition with invasive species like the Asian lady beetle.

Efforts are being made to conserve and reintroduce this native species. Its historical significance and charming look make it a symbol of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Color Light Red / Yellow with black spots
Number of Spots Nine
Size Medium
Native Region North America

Final Thoughts

So, there you have itโ€”18 types of ladybugs that bring more to the table than just their cute spots.ย  Each has its own role in the ecosystem, from pest control to being a sign of healthy biodiversity.

Next time you spot one, take a closer look and appreciate the tiny details that make each species unique.ย  Ladybugs arenโ€™t just garden ornaments; theyโ€™re vital players in keeping our gardens and farms thriving. Plus, theyโ€™re just plain fun to watch!

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