Our article page you are on will provide information about different types of ladybugs in Colorado.
Ladybugs, or ladybirds or lady beetles, are a type of beetle with an oval-shaped body and usually red with black spots.
However, not all ladybugs are red with black dots; some can be yellow, orange, black, gray, or even pink.
Ladybugs are beneficial insects that help control pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
There are various types of ladybugs in Colorado, including the Convergent ladybug, California lady beetle, seven-spotted ladybug, 22-spot ladybug, Cardinal ladybird, pink spotted ladybeetle, and many more, which will be listed here in our post.
So let’s dive in!
1. Convergent Ladybug
The Convergent Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens) is first on our list of types of ladybugs in Colorado which can also be found throughout North America.
It is one of the most widespread native species of ladybugs in the region.
The Convergent Ladybug has a dark orange oval body with 12 black spots of varying sizes on its dome-shaped back.
These ladybugs in Colorado play a crucial role in pest control, as they primarily feed on aphids, whiteflies, and other insects that can damage crops and plants.
They are popular among gardeners and farmers for their ability to help control aphid populations.
Convergent Ladybugs are relatively small, measuring between 4 and 7 mm in length.
These ladybugs are harmless and do not threaten humans or carry diseases.
So if you come across the Convergent Ladybug in Colorado or elsewhere, you can appreciate its presence as a beneficial insect in your garden or natural environment.
2. Fourteen-spotted Ladybird Beetle
The Fourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle, scientifically known as Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, is one of the ladybugs in Colorado.
It comes in over 100 color and pattern variations, ranging from cream to yellow to orange, but interestingly not red.
As the name suggests, it has fourteen black rectangular spots on its back, which may be fused together at the midline. The antennae and legs of this ladybug are yellowish-brown.
Originally brought to North America to control Russian Wheat Aphids, the Fourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle is now widespread in Colorado and continues to spread.
It inhabits various habitats, including mixed forests, meadows, fields, and gardens. Often, they are found in common sites like leaf litter, moss, compost piles, and plants.
These ladybugs in Colorado are insectivorous and feed on aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, larvae, and eggs of certain beetles and butterflies.
They are known for their speed and long-distance flight abilities, capable of flying up to 37 mph and traveling up to 70 miles without a break.
The presence of the Fourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle is beneficial for growers, as it helps control populations of pests that can damage crops.
3. Cardinal Ladybird
The Cardinal Ladybird (formerly Rodolia cardinalis) is also one of the types of ladybugs in Colorado. This species is characterized by its upperside, covered in short hairs.
While it shares similarities with ladybugs, its primary food source is the Cottony Cushion Scale, a pest that feeds on citrus and native trees.
Interestingly, Cardinal Ladybirds are cannibalistic and will eat their own kind if food is scarce.
Female Cardinal Ladybirds even lay unfertilized eggs to ensure their young have enough to eat.
These tiny and sweet ladybugs are known for their voracious appetite and are crucial in controlling pest populations.
The Cardinal Ladybird is widely distributed in Colorado and can be found in various habitats, including mixed forests, meadows, and fields.
Look for them in gardens and parks at ground level, particularly in common sites such as leaf litter, moss, compost piles, and plants.
These fast and agile ladybugs in Colorado can fly up to 37 mph and cover distances of up.
4. Seven-spotted Ladybug
The Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) is a notable ladybug species in Colorado.
It has a red body with six black spots and a prominent black mark in the middle of its wings, hence the name “Seven-Spotted.” The head of this ladybug is black with two white dots.
Although the Seven-Spotted Ladybug is not native to Colorado and was introduced in Europe, it has become well-established.
It can be found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, gardens, and forests.
This ladybug species is highly beneficial in controlling aphid populations, as it consumes massive amounts of aphids.
By preying on aphids, the Seven-Spotted Ladybug contributes to pest control in grasslands and farms.
Interestingly, while they thrive in North America, Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are declining in their native ranges in Europe.
When threatened, the Seven-Spotted Ladybug can secrete a fluid from the joints in its legs, giving it a foul taste and deterring potential predators.
It may also play dead to protect itself. This ladybug species is known for its voracious appetite and is considered an effective biological control agent against aphids.
If you’re interested, you can watch a video of the Seven-Spotted Ladybug in action as it demonstrates its impressive feeding abilities.
5. Pink-spotted Lady Beetle
The Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle, also known as Coleomegilla maculata, is a species of ladybug found in Colorado.
They are generally pink, but some may be bright orange or red. Each wing of this ladybug species contains six black marks, and their bodies are oblong and flat.
Pink-Spotted Lady Beetles can be identified by their distinctive appearance and twelve black spots on their wings.
Their larvae resemble small black and yellow mini alligators with three pairs of legs.
These ladybugs in Colorado are commonly found in various habitats, including wheat fields, sweet corn, alfalfa, soybeans, peas, beans, cotton, potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, and apples.
They primarily feed on aphids, which are pests that damage crops.
Additionally, these ladybugs in Colorado consume mites, insect eggs or larvae, nectar, water, and pollen.
Their diet includes the eggs of several moths that eat corn crops, making them valuable for farmers in controlling these pests.
The Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle plays an important role in reducing the populations of harmful insects and helping growers avoid harmful chemicals on their crops.
In fact, farmers often purchase these ladybugs commercially for pest control purposes.
Their ability to consume up to 60 eggs daily and their preference for aphids make them valuable allies in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
6. Two-spotted Ladybug
Next on our list of types of ladybugs in Colorado is the Two-Spotted Ladybug (Adalia bipunctata).
Its red body easily recognizes it with one black spot on each wing.
The head of the Two-Spotted Ladybug is black with two white spots resembling eyes.
This species is versatile in its habitat preference but shows a clear affinity for trees and shrubs.
The diet of the Two-Spotted Ladybug primarily consists of aphids and other small insects.
However, it specifically targets gall-forming aphids, with soldiers defending the aphid colonies.
Despite this defensive mechanism, the Two-Spotted Ladybug feeds on these pests.
It is interesting to note that the Two-Spotted Ladybug prefers trees and shrubs as its habitat.
It can be found in various environments, but its association with these plants is notable.
By preying on aphids, this ladybug species contributes to controlling pest populations, benefiting gardeners and farmers.
The Two-Spotted Ladybug is an important natural predator in Colorado, helping to maintain ecological balance by controlling aphid populations and protecting plants from damage caused by these types of ladybugs in Colorado.
7. Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle
The Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle (Psyllobora vigintimaculata) is one of the smallest ladybug types in Colorado.
Its creamy white or tan body can identify this species with black spots on its wings and head.
The legs of the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle are light orange in color. It is also known as the Wee-Tiny Ladybug.
Unlike most other ladybug species, the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle prefers to eat mildew rather than aphids.
It can often be found on plants covered in mildew, such as skunk cabbage plants or shrubbery vegetation in spring.
This ladybug feeds on the mildew, helping to control its growth.
During winter, the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle forms small groups (aggregations) with others and hibernates under leaf litter.
It has a unique behavior of consuming fungus rather than aphids, which sets it apart from many other ladybugs.
Despite its small size, it plays a valuable role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by controlling the mildew population.
The Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle is a fascinating and beneficial insect that contributes to the natural pest control in Colorado’s ecosystems.
8. Three-banded Lady Beetle
The Three-Banded Lady Beetle (Coccinella trifasciata) is a round-shaped ladybug species in Colorado.
It has a vibrant red-to-orange body with distinct black bars on its wings. The head of this ladybug is black, with two white spots along the front edge of the neck.
The Three-Banded Lady Beetle is considered one of the rarest types of ladybugs in Colorado, facing threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition with non-native ladybugs.
It can be found in various habitats, including gardens, crop fields, meadows, and woodlands.
Like other ladybugs, the Three-Banded Lady Beetle primarily feeds on aphids, mites, caterpillars, insect eggs, and other soft-bodied insects.
It also fonds for nectar and pollen, displaying a bit of a sweet tooth.
Due to its striking appearance and scarcity, the Three-Banded Lady Beetle is a fascinating species in Colorado.
9. Asian Lady Beetle
Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is a look-alike ladybug species commonly found in Colorado.
While it resembles ladybugs in appearance, it is not a true ladybug.
Native to eastern Asia, the Asian Lady Beetle was introduced to Colorado to help control aphids like other ladybugs.
However, it quickly became one of Colorado‘s most invasive types of ladybugs globally.
Asian Lady Beetles vary in color, from orange to red, with black spots on their wings.
The challenge lies in identifying them due to their color variations, spot size, and spot count.
They are often called the “Halloween Beetle” because they tend to invade homes during October to overwinter.
This species has rapidly spread throughout Colorado, and their populations can become a nuisance when they seek shelter indoors.
Their bodily fluids emit an unpleasant odor and may stain fabrics.
The easiest way to distinguish Asian Lady Beetles is by observing the black markings on their head, which resemble the letters “W” or “M.
Although they share similarities with ladybugs, Asian Lady Beetles have different behaviors. They are native to Asia and were brought over for aphid control.
They have become a major invasive species and are considered one of Colorado‘s most problematic types of ladybugs worldwide.
10. Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle
The Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata) is a larger-sized ladybug found primarily in wet meadows, marshes, lakeshores, and flood plains in Colorado.
It has an elongated oval-shaped, reddish-orange body with 13 black spots that may be fused together.
Due to its northern habitat, this ladybug species is typically active from May through September.
The Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle prefers to feed on aphids found on dry, rough vegetation.
However, it can also be found feeding on reeds, rotten hay, and under peeled-off bark.
While it may not be as commonly seen in backyard gardens, its presence in natural habitats contributes to natural pest control.
With its distinctive appearance and habitat preferences, the Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle adds to the diversity of ladybug species in Colorado and plays a role in maintaining ecological balance.
11. Ornate Checkered Beetle
The Ornate Checkered Beetle, also known as Trichodes ornatus or the Clerid Beetle, is a widespread species in Colorado.
Its distinctive black and red checkered pattern can be identified on the body.
Interestingly, the Ornate Checkered Beetle’s larvae are parasitic predators found in bees’ nests.
The female beetles give birth to their young on a flower’s surface, and the newborn larvae hitch a ride on a bee’s leg to its nest.
Once inside the nest, the larvae feed on the bees’ larvae and pollen until they mature and leave.
As adults, the Ornate Checkered Beetles can be found feeding on plants with yellow coloration, such as milkweed and yarrow.
They play a role in pollination as they visit these flowers for nectar. If you need help identifying types of ladybugs in Colorado, refer to a field guide or seek further assistance.
12. Fifteen-spotted Lady Beetle
The Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle, scientifically known as Anatis labiculata, is a fascinating ending to our list of types of ladybugs in Colorado found in forests and woodlands.
This oval-shaped ladybug has a black and white head, and its body color can vary from white, orange, reddish, or light gray to dark purple.
The distinguishing feature of this ladybug is the presence of fifteen black spots on its body.
Unlike other ladybugs in Colorado, the Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle is uncommon in backyard gardens.
It primarily inhabits forested areas, which are vital in maintaining ecological balance.
These ladybugs have a diverse diet and can consume up to 75 aphids daily, making them valuable predators for controlling aphid populations.
The active period of the Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle spans from April to July, with their population mainly concentrated in forests.
They are well-adapted to forest environments and have specific habitat preferences.
While they contribute significantly to pest control in their natural habitats, they may not be as frequently encountered in residential areas.
You can’t believe Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle is a beneficial insect that contributes to the natural balance of forest ecosystems by preying on aphids and helping to control their populations.
Conclusion
Colorado is home to a diverse range of ladybug species, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences.
These beloved types of ladybugs in Colorado captivate us with their vibrant colors and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Ladybugs, including the Convergent Ladybug, contribute to pest control by feasting on various troublesome insects like aphids and mites.
Their presence in gardens, meadows, and forests is a visual delight and a natural form of pest management.
Embark on an excursion concerning these types of ladybugs in Colorado listed above on our blog.
1 comment
Fascinating article. I’ve often wonderd if those “stinky” beetles were beneficial. Good to know they are.