Lady Bugs Part II: Life Cycle and basic Biology

Lady Bugs (Family Coccinellidae, Order Coleoptera) are generally beneficial field and garden arthropods (insects). Both adults and larvae are predators and they live in the same areas. They range from generalist (eating a variety of insects) to specialist (eating a specific type of insects such as mites or scales) predators. Adults may also eat honeydew, pollen, and/or nectar in addition to eating garden insects.

MALB, Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallus)

MALB was imported into the U.S. in 1916 to control insect pests. They are effective at controlling harmful pests such as scales and aphids. However, a population was not found until 1988 in New Orleans and throughout other parts of Louisiana. They will exhibit "reflex bleeding" which is a defensive reaction where yellow fluid with an offensive odor is released from leg joints. This behavior is typically performed when MALB is agitated or squished and allows them to escape possible predation. WARNING: this fluid may stain walls and fabrics.

Moves into sheltered locations such as homes in order to survive winter temperatures which makes it a nuisance pest. It is, also, pushing native Coccinellidae species out of their native ranges.

Life Cycle:
1. Adults overwinter in shelter

2. Adults lay eggs in early spring on host plants
3. Eggs hatch within 3-5 days

4. Larvae feed and molt for 20 days

5. Pupa is formed and lasts for 3-10 days

6. Adults emerge and continue feeding on insects

References Used:
Cranshaw, W. 2004. Garden Insects of North America: the Ultimate guide to Backyard Bugs. Princeton university Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA. (Pages 544)

Pedigo, L.P., and Rice, M. E. 2006. Entomology and Pest Management, 5th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA. (Pages 117, 439)

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