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|
Asiatic Lady Beetle (Harmonia
axyridis).
It poses a threat to native ones and it is a nuisance
when it gathers in large numbers
in winter in human habitations
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As I discussed in Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens on July 7th,
not all ladybugs or lady beetles are beneficial. Some have been introduced from
other lands and create trouble for the native species. Moreover, the sale of
lady beetles as biological controls deserves thorough examination. You may be
spending money for nothing or, worse yet, doing harm rather than good (Ladybugs,Lady Beetles or Ladybird Beetles. How Good are They?)
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| Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis). Stephen Ausmus. USDA |
Here are a couple of lady beetles which will surprise you.
Not all lady beetles feed on other insects. A few feed on plants and may even
be pests. The Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna
varivestis) is just as cute as some of the most beloved lady beetles. Sadly
it feeds on beans, peas and other plants of the pea family. The only
consolation is that it also likes to eat that dreadful Japanese invasive plant,
Kudzu.
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|
Alfalfa Lady Beetle (Subcoccinella
vigintiquatuorpunctata)
Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez/ Wikicommons
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I also want to mention another pretty one, the Alfalfa
Lady Beetle (Subcoccinella
vigintiquatuorpunctata). It was introduced from Asia and feeds on alfalfa
and an assortment of plants, such as bouncing Bet and campion.
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|
Another introduced species
Seven-spotted Lady
Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata)
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