Nature Photo Challenge #27: Ladybugs
It took me a while but I did find some photos of ladybugs for the September 6th Nature Photo Challenge at Denzil Nature.
I don’t normally take pictures of ladybugs, because we have these introduced Asian Lady Beetles here by the dozens, and they get into our houses and swarm throughout the winter. Also, they bite! Some little bug lands on you and you think, “Oh, adorable, a ladybug,” and then you feel this little nip. It’s not painful, just annoying.
Asian Lady Beetles, Harmonia axyridis, introduced into the US.
But then I came across these pictures that I took in Central Texas, on the same day, on the same plant. And I just now discovered that they are two different species. This first one is very common all across the world; it is the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, and although it was introduced into the US, it has spread all over. (And I believe that the first four photos in Denzil’s post are also of Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, and he is in Belgium.)
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, introduced into the US in 1973 and now widespread.
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, Coccinella septempunctata
This next one is actually native to the US. The two look very similar except for the white markings on their pronota.
Convergent Lady Beetle, Hippodamia convergens
Convergent Lady Beetle with a (bonus bug) Mountain Laurel Scarlet Mirid, Lopidea major.
So once again I learned a lot by doing this challenge! For more photos to challenge your observation skills, you can visit the photo challenge and scroll down to see who else participated.
Your Asian Ladybeetles are known here as Harlequin Ladybirds. It arrived in England in 2003, after it had been introduced to the US and mainland Europe for the biological control of aphids and coccids (scale insects). By 2011 it was right across Scotland and Wales as well. It threatens our native species (including the 7-spot) by competing for aphids, and will also eat other ladybirds’ eggs and larvae. I hadn’t heard of them biting people – another reason to dislike them!
Yes, these challenges are very educational!
Biting is not a Ladybird thing but now I know about those ones. Glad they aren’t here.
I found out doing my post, that Australian Ladybirds were introduced into the USA to help with the Californian Citrus crop early last century
I was admiring the spots on your Australian Ladybird — it looks like a cowboy hat to me! 🙂
They are rather pretty. I shall have to have a good look next time I find a Ladybird 🙂
That introductory photo is simply adorable. From what you wrote, I understand they can be a nuisance, even as cute as they are. Nice post and beautiful photos.
Really beautiful shots! I love the cluster of ladies–they look like they’re having a nice chat with one another. 🙂
Thanks! I don’t usually have good luck focusing on such tiny subjects so I am glad I tried a few times. 🙂
Super shots as always. Could I use the one of the Asians for my roundup please?
Sure! Did you see Annie H’s comment that in Europe they are known as Harlequin beetles? I would love to know if they really are the same species!
Yes I did, which surprised me. I’ll check but Annie knows her stuff!
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Crikey! So many! Then they get a little creepy
I agree! I don’t know what they find to live on, but they get in everyone’s house around here in the winter.