At first glance, it’s difficult to tell the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs. But while they look similar and belong to the same insect family, they don’t behave the same way. A ladybug is considered a beneficial, harmless insect. In some cultures, it is even regarded as a symbol of good luck. On the other hand, an Asian lady beetle is considered a pest and has even overtaken the native species of ladybugs. Find out more about these two interesting insects by reading this article.
Asian Lady Beetles
The Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a predator of various insects, most notably aphids. These insects are also known as Japanese lady beetles, Halloween bugs, harlequin ladybirds, or multicolored Asian lady beetles. Besides eating aphids, they also infest fall fruits such as grapes, apples and raspberries (especially those with holes or wounds made by birds or other insects).
Asian beetles were introduced to the US from Asia in 1916 to combat aphids. The US Department of Agriculture released the Asian lady beetles in California, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Washington, Connecticut, and Maryland. It has since migrated throughout most of the United States. Besides the intentional introduction, it’s likely they reached the US on freighters, adding to their presence throughout the country.
These insects don’t cause much damage to homes or landscapes. However, they often enter houses to seek warmth during cold weather. Once inside, Asian lady beetles fly around rooms and land on walls, furniture, and windows. When disturbed, they secrete a yellowish, smelly fluid that can stain furniture, fabrics, and walls.
While they feed mainly on aphids, the Asian lady beetle may also eat other insects, including native ladybugs. It is also believed that they have overtaken the native species of ladybugs because of their more aggressive behavior.
Ladybugs
There are hundreds of species of ladybugs in the United States. Some are native to North America, while some were introduced. The most familiar is the 7-spotted ladybug. It has a shiny, red-and-black body. Other species have become rare, such as the 9-spotted ladybug.
Most ladybugs have oval, dome-shaped bodies and 6 short legs. Depending on the species, they can have stripes, spots, or no markings at all. Seven-spotted ladybugs are orange or red with 3 spots on each side and 1 in the middle. This lady bug has a black head and white patches on either side.
Ladybugs live in many different habitats. They can be found in forests, grasslands, orchards, woodlands, and along rivers. They lay eggs in rows or clusters on the underside of a leaf. When the weather turns cold, ladybugs look for a secluded, warm place to hibernate, such as rotting logs or underneath rocks.
In many cultures, ladybugs are considered beneficial. Farmers love ladybugs because they eat aphids as well as other plant-eating pests. In fact, one lady bug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime.
Asian Lady Beetles vs. Ladybugs
Although they look the same, Asian lady beetles and native ladybugs have notable differences. Here are some ways to tell the difference between the Asian beetle and the ladybug.
Appearance
Asian lady beetles and ladybugs look similar. But a closer inspection will reveal the differences. Asian lady beetles are slightly bigger than ladybugs. Ladybugs are round or oval in shape, while lady beetles are usually larger in size. Also, ladybugs’ heads (snouts) are shorter and less pointed compared to the Asian lady beetles.
The color of the Asian lady beetle can vary from red to orange. Meanwhile, a lady bug is red or orange with black spots. The Asian lady beetles have or may not have black spots on the wing covers (cerci).
One way to tell the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs is to look for the letter “M.” An Asian lady beetle has a distinctive M-shaped black marking on its otherwise white head. Meanwhile, the head of a ladybug is primarily black, with tiny white markings on the sides of the head.
Behavior
Although Asian lady beetles and ladybugs look similar, they behave differently. Ladybugs don’t sneak into homes the way Asian lady beetles do. Native species of ladybugs overwinter outdoors, while Asian lady beetles prefer to enter homes. Unlike ladybugs, Asian lady beetles tend to gather in large groups, especially in windows, walls, or furniture.
Another point of comparison of Asian beetles vs. ladybugs is the smell. When they feel threatened, Asian lady beetles excrete a yellow, foul-smelling liquid from their leg joints. This is called “reflex bleeding” and may also happen if you crush them. The liquid can stain fabrics and walls. It can also trigger minor allergic reactions in some people, ranging from eye irritation to asthma.
Here’s another difference in behavior of these two insects. Asian lady beetles may bite if they land on the skin. They “bite” by scraping the skin. On the other hand, ladybugs seldom bite.
Managing Asian Lady Beetle Population at Home |
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| Vacuuming | One simple way to get rid of Asian lady beetles is to suck them up using a vacuum. But since the beetles secrete a foul-smelling odor when distressed, it’s advisable to use a shop vac rather than an indoor vacuum cleaner. Seal and discard the bag after you’ve finished collecting the insects. If you want to save on vacuum bags, put a nylon stocking around the end of the hose and secure it using a rubber band. Then, remove the stocking after turning off your vacuum, seal it with the rubber band or tie the end, and discard it. |
| Light Traps | Black light traps are usually effective in attracting Asian lady beetles indoors, especially in attics and other dark areas. You can buy such traps or make a DIY light trap. Make sure that the trap’s light is the only light in the room to achieve the desired results. Check and clean the trap regularly. |
| Insecticide Spray | Many insecticide sprays meant to kill Asian lady beetles are available in the market. These sprays are also effective for boxelder bugs, flies, ants, cockroaches, and other pest insects. You can use the spray in cracks and crevices, around window and door frames, in storage areas, or anywhere the Asian beetles might be gathering. |
Get rid of stubborn pests at your home with the help of the experts from PestGuide. Contact them today!
Pro Tip:“Understanding the difference between ladybugs and Asian lady beetles could help you choose the best pesticides for them. Take the time to research before deciding what your next steps should be.” |
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FAQs on the Difference Between Asian Lady Beetles and Ladybugs |
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How often do Asian Lady Beetles reproduce? |
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| Asian lady beetles produce one to several generations each year. It takes one month for them to grow from egg to adult. These insects can live up to three years. If there’s an Asian lady beetle infestation in your home, don’t worry. Asian lady beetles do not lay eggs inside homes. But the problem is, they might come back next season. | |
Do Asian lady beetles eat ladybugs? |
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| The Asian lady beetle has crowded out the population of native ladybugs. Although Asian lady beetles prefer to eat aphids, they also eat other insects, including the native ladybug species. | |
Why is my house full of ladybugs? |
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| If you see such insects inside your house, they are most likely Asian lady beetles (not native ladybugs). Asian lady beetles enter homes because they are looking for shelter wherein they can spend the winter. |