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The Black Ladybug vs. The Red Ladybug: A Showdown

Eric Carle’s popular book “The Grouchy Ladybug” takes us through a day in the life of our familiar friend the red ladybug.

But what about the lesser-known black ladybug? Why don’t we ever hear about them?

Although basically similar, each ladybug brings something special to the garden, so each one is valuable in their own way.

Ready to learn more?

• The Many Types of Ladybugs
• The Ladybug: Friend or Foe?
• What’s for Lunch? A Ladybug Eating Guide

The Many Types of Ladybugs

Contrary to popular belief, ladybugs are not only red with black spots. In fact, they may be spotless, and can be orange, pink, yellow, tan or black.

Although they may look strange at first, these oddly colored ladybugs are just as friendly as their well-known red counterparts.

On occasion, the orange colored Asian Lady Beetle may bite the skin of a human, causing a slight stinging sensation. These beetles, however, do not carry disease, so any small bite is not to be worried about, as any pain will soon vanish.

The Ladybug: Friend or Foe?

Ladybugs are most often found in gardens, but don’t worry, they aren’t attacking your flowers and produce. They are merely looking for some garden pests on which to snack on.

Ladybugs are actually considered very helpful to gardeners, which is why they have been imported many times throughout the years to aid in garden pest control.

In the winter months, the recently-increased ladybug population searches for safe places to hibernate. This has resulted in widespread ladybug infestation throughout the United States.

A ladybug infestation is nothing to worry about, however, because these insects are harmless. Plus, in the summer months, ladybugs act like a natural bug killer, eating pests in the home and garden.

So, while ladybugs may be a bit annoying in the winter, their pest-eating properties in the spring and summer make up for it.

But, if you are determined to try to keep ladybugs out of your home, consider treating the southern side of your home with a natural, organic insecticide frequently during the fall season. This will help the prevent ladybug infestation.

What’s for Lunch? A Ladybug Eating Guide

While red ladybugs are commonly known for eating aphids, the black ladybug has a slightly different appetite.

Mealybugs, or scales, are the prey of choice for black ladybugs. These bugs prefer warm, moist climates, and because the black ladybug follows its food source, they are most often found in California and parts of Australia.

The black ladybug’s diet is not exclusive to mealybugs, as they will also eat aphids and other soft-bodied garden pests.

So the next time you are in your garden and stumble across a black ladybug, don’t be alarmed. It’s just helping to keep your garden free of harmful pests.

No matter what color, ladybugs are beneficial bugs through and through.

But if you want to keep these (and other) insects out of your home, consider EcoSMART’s natural bug killer. The natural formula is safe and effective, and won’t harm pets, children or the environment.

A pest-free garden and an insect-free home — what could be better?