Ladybugs are popular insects due to their vibrant colors, harmless nature, and role in controlling pest populations.
They feed on various problem bugs, such as aphids, chinch bugs, and spider mites.Â
We will provide details about the types of ladybugs in Michigan, including their identifying characteristics and habitats.
We will also mention two insects that resemble ladybugs but are not ladybugs.
So let’s get started!Â
1. Cardinal Ladybird
The Cardinal Ladybird, Novius Cardinalis, is starting our list of types of ladybugs in Michigan.
It is a native ladybug species commonly seen in various habitats across the state.Â
To tell the fact, it has an oval-shaped, dark orange body with short hair covering the upper side.
It features as many as 13 black spots on its body, which can vary in size.
The head of the Cardinal Ladybird is black with two white spots, and its antennae and legs are yellowish-brown.
It is also known as P-14 and was originally introduced to North America to control Russian Wheat Aphids.
Since its introduction, the Cardinal Ladybird has become widespread in Michigan and continues to spread.
It can be found in different environments, including mixed forests, meadows, fields, gardens, and parks.
Cardinal Ladybirds are valued for their beneficial role as predators of various pests.
They have a voracious appetite and feed on problem bugs such as aphids, chinch bugs, asparagus beetle larvae, alfalfa weevils, bean thrips, grape rootworms, Colorado potato beetle larvae, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
Unfortunately, in certain areas, these types of ladybugs in Michigan face competition from the invasive Asian Lady Beetle, which has led to their decline in some regions.
2. Convergent Lady Beetle
Convergent lady beetle, also known as Hippodamia convergens, is also one of the common native types of ladybugs in Michigan.
It has an oval-shaped, dark orange body with as many as 13 black spots that vary in size.
The head is black with two white spots. These ladybugs can be spotted in various habitats, including yards, gardens, and meadows.
Unfortunately, the Convergent Lady Beetle faces competition from the invasive Asian Lady Beetle in certain areas of Michigan.
This species was brought to North America to control Russian Wheat Aphids. It has since spread widely in Michigan and continues to expand its range.
Convergent Lady Beetles primarily feed on aphids, which are common garden pests.
These ladybugs in Michigan also consume other small insects, making them beneficial for natural pest control.
However, the decline in population in some regions highlights the challenges they face.
If you’re interested in observing ladybugs in Michigan, watch for the distinctive Convergent Lady Beetle with its vibrant coloration and unique spots!
3. Fourteen-spotted Ladybird Beetle
The Fourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, is one of the ladybug types in Michigan.
This ladybug comes in over 100 color and pattern variations, with the primary exoskeleton color ranging from cream to yellow to orange.
It is characterized by fourteen black rectangular spots on its back, which may sometimes be fused 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 has become widespread in Michigan and continues to spread.
It inhabits various habitats, including mixed forests, meadows, fields, and gardens.
You won’t believe it can be found at ground level on plants, leaf litter, moss, compost piles, and other common sites.
This ladybug feeds on aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, larvae, and eggs of certain beetles and butterflies.
One interesting fact about the Fourteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle is its flying capability.
Like most ladybugs, it is fast and can fly long distances without resting. It can reach up to 37 mph speeds and travel up to 70 miles without a break.
4. Seven-spotted Ladybug,
The Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) is a type of ladybug found in Michigan.
It is easily recognized by its red body adorned with six black spots and one large black mark in the middle of its wings, hence its name.
The head of the Seven-Spotted Ladybug is black with two white dots.
Although not native to Michigan, the Seven-Spotted Ladybug was introduced in Europe as a biological control against aphids.
It has thrived in North America and is crucial in controlling aphid populations in grasslands and farms.
Their diet consists mainly of aphids, making them beneficial insects for gardeners and farmers.
Interestingly, while thriving in North America, Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are declining in their European native ranges.
When threatened, these ladybugs in Michigan can secrete fluid from the joints in their legs, giving them a foul taste to potential predators. They can also play dead as a defense mechanism.
The Seven-Spotted Ladybug is commonly found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, gardens, and forests.
These ladybugs in Michigan presence help maintain a balance in ecosystems by naturally controlling aphid populations.
5. Pink-spotted Lady Beetle
The Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle, also known as Coleomegilla maculata, is a type of ladybug found in Michigan.
Its pink color characterizes it, although some individuals may be bright orange or red. Each wing of this ladybug species contains six black marks, and its body is oblong and flat.
The Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle is a voracious predator of aphids, commonly found on crops such as wheat, sweet corn, soybeans, and tomatoes. It also feeds on mites, insect eggs or larvae, nectar, water, and pollen.
Pollen makes up around 50% of their food intake. These ladybugs play a crucial role in reducing the populations of harmful pests, such as moth eggs that eat corn crops.
Farmers often rely on Pink-Spotted Lady Beetles to control pests on their crops, and they may even purchase these ladybugs commercially for this purpose.
By preying on pests, these beneficial types of ladybugs in Michigan help growers avoid harmful chemicals, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
The Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle is adaptable and can be found in various habitats where its preferred prey is present.
It is commonly seen in agricultural fields, gardens, and other areas with aphid populations.
These types of ladybugs in Michigan may aggregate and hibernate under leaf litter during winter.
Overall, the Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle is an important ally to farmers and gardeners, providing natural pest control while
6. Two-spotted Ladybug
The Two-Spotted Ladybug, scientifically known as Adalia bipunctata, is a type of ladybug found in Michigan.
It is characterized by its vibrant red body and one black spot on each wing, which resembles a pair of eyes.
The head of the Two-Spotted Ladybug is black with two white spots, which also gives the appearance of eyes.
These ladybugs in Michigan are versatile and can be found in various habitats, although it prefers trees and shrubs.
The Two-Spotted Ladybug feeds on aphids and other small insects, making it a valuable predator for pest control in gardens and agricultural fields.
Interestingly, the Two-Spotted Ladybug prefers gall-forming aphids, with defensive soldiers protecting their colonies.
Despite facing resistance, these types of ladybugs in Michigan play a crucial role in maintaining balance in ecosystems
7. Fifteen-spotted Lady Beetle
The Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle, also known as the Fifteen-Spotted Ladybird Beetle, is also one of the types of ladybugs in Michigan whose body is oval-shaped, and its head is black and white.
The color of the ladybug can vary from white, orange, reddish, or light gray to dark purple. It has fifteen black spots on its body.
Unlike many other ladybugs, the Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle is primarily found in forests and is less commonly seen in backyards. It is active from April through July.
This species prefers aphids as its main food source and can consume up to 75 aphids daily. It plays an important role in controlling aphid populations in forest ecosystems.
The Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle has a relatively short lifespan, living only one to two years. As it ages, its color may darken.
This ladybug species demonstrates the ability to darken its coloration, similar to other ladybugs in Michigan.
However, scientists do not fully understand the reason behind this color change.
Overall, the Fifteen-Spotted Lady Beetle is an interesting and beneficial species found in Michigan. By preying on aphids, it contributes to the natural balance of forest ecosystems.
8. Eye-spotted Lady Beetle
Next on our list of types of ladybugs in Michigan is The Eye-Spotted Lady Beetle, scientifically known as Anatis mali.
These ladybugs have rounded, oval-shaped bodies with yellowish to brownish-red coloring and distinctive black spots with white rings around them. Their head is black with two white dots.
Eye-spotted lady Beetles are commonly found in tree canopies, although they can sometimes be spotted at lower levels.
They prefer aphids that live on conifer trees. Over their lifetime, they can consume as many as 5,000 aphids.
As these Michigan ladybugs age, their color darkens, similar to other Michigan ladybug species.
However, their lifespan is relatively short, typically lasting only one to two years.
Despite their small size, Eye-Spotted Lady Beetles are vital in controlling aphid populations, making them valuable insects in the ecosystem.
9. Three-banded Lady Beetle
The Three-Banded Lady Beetle (Coccinella trifasciata) is one of Michigan’s rarest types of ladybugs. It is round, with a red-to-orange body and black bars on its wings.
The head of this ladybug is black, with two white spots along the front edge of the neck. It is typically found in gardens, crop fields, meadows, and woodlands.
Like other ladybugs in Michigan, the Three-Banded Lady Beetle prefers to feed on aphids, mites, caterpillars, insect eggs, and soft-bodied insects. However, it also has a fondness for nectar and pollen.
Unfortunately, this species faces challenges due to competition with non-native ladybugs for habitat and food and the impacts of pesticide use and habitat loss.
Despite its rarity, the Three-Banded Lady Beetle plays a vital role in natural pest control by preying on harmful insects.
It contributes to maintaining the ecological balance in various ecosystems within Michigan.
10. Asian Lady Beetle
Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is a widespread look-alike ladybug in Michigan. It is not a true ladybug, but it resembles one in appearance.
These beetles are typically orange or red with black spots, although their coloration and spot count can vary, making them challenging to identify.
Originally native to eastern Asia, the Asian Lady Beetle was introduced to Michigan to control aphid populations.
It quickly spread throughout the region and has become one of the world’s most invasive insects.
During October, they often invade homes to overwinter, earning them the nickname “Halloween Beetle.”
While they share similarities with ladybugs, Asian ladybeetles have some distinguishing features. The black markings on their head form a distinctive “W” or “M” shape.Â
They can release unpleasant bodily fluids with a distinct odor and may stain fabrics if crushed.
This species is known for its aggressive behavior and can outcompete native ladybugs for resources.
It’s important to note that Asian Lady Beetles are considered beneficial insects because they can control aphid populations.
However, their invasive nature and potential nuisance when they enter homes have made them a concern for some people.
11. Ornate Checkered Beetle
The Ornate Checkered Beetle, also known as the Clerid Beetle, is a species that resembles a ladybug and can be found in Michigan.
Its body has a distinctive black and red checkered pattern. This beetle is widespread throughout the state.
Interestingly, the larvae of the Ornate Checkered Beetle are parasitic predators found in bees’ nests.
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 their nest.Â
Once inside the nest, the larvae feed on the bees‘ larvae and pollen until they mature and leave.
As adults, Ornate Checkered Beetles can be found feeding on plants such as milkweed and yarrow, particularly those with yellow coloration.
If you need additional help identifying ladybugs in Michigan, refer to the field guide on the website.
12. Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle
The Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle, scientifically known as Psyllobora vigintimaculata, is one of the ladybug species found in Michigan.
This small ladybug is characterized by its creamy white or tan body adorned with black spots on its wings and head. Its legs are light orange.
Unlike many other ladybugs in Michigan, the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle exhibits a unique dietary preference.
Rather than feeding on aphids like its counterparts, it primarily consumes mildew. It can often be found on plants covered in mildew, and it feeds on this fungus.
These ladybugs are commonly seen in spring in skunk cabbage plants or shrubbery vegetation.
In winter, they gather with other ladybugs and form small groups to hibernate under leaf litter.
Despite its small size, the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle is valuable in controlling mildew populations and maintaining plant health.
13. Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle
To conclude our list, the Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle, scientifically known as Hippodamia tredecimpunctata, is one of the larger-sized types of ladybugs in Michigan.
It has an elongated oval-shaped, reddish-orange body with 13 black spots that may be fused.
This ladybug is found in wet meadows, marshes, lakeshores, and floodplains.
The Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle prefers to inhabit grassy areas or small shrubs.
It feeds on aphids and other small insects and can also be found on dry, rough vegetation, reeds, rotten hay, and under peeled-off bark.
This species is active from May through September since it is a northern species.
The Thirteen-Spot Lady Beetle is easily identifiable with its larger size and distinctive markings.
These ladybugs in Michigan play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling aphid populations.
