Massachusetts State Insect

Ladybug

(Adalia bipunctata)

Adopted in 1974.

Also lady beetle, ladybird, ladyfly, etc. Most common in the state is the Two-Spotted Lady Beetle, Adalia bipunctata. Its head is black with pale yellowish margins; elytra reddish, with two black spots. Idea originated in 1974 with a second-grade class in the Town of Franklin.

It helps farmers by controlling insect pests, especially aphids. In folk medicine, ladybugs were believed to cure various diseases such as colic and measles. In folk medicine ladybug beetles were used to cure various diseases including colic and the measles.

Adults

Adult two-spotted lady beetles are 4-5mm long, and ovoid in shape. The head and thorax is black with yellow markings. Their undersides are black to reddish-brown; Their elytra (wing covers) are orange with one black spot on each side. The larvae are elongate, with soft bodies, and are black with yellow and white spots (they look a little like tiny alligators) (Marshall 2000, Milne & Milne 2000).

Denfense

Bright colors generally indicate that the insect is armed and dangerous! In this case the ladybird is advertising it's bitter taste. When handled the ladybird will exude drops of pungent fluid which stain the hand and taint it with a long-lasting smell.

Reproduction

Females deposit bright yellow eggs on the underside of leaves and other locations near potential food sources for the larvae. Pupae are black with yellow dots and are found hanging from leaf surfaces. Adults in the North live through the winter; there can be more than one generation in a year.

Behavior

Adults overwinter in large groups under logs, leaves, and bark. They occasionally enter buildings by accident, looking for a sheltered place to hibernate. If they get into a heated house they may be doomed, as the warmth keeps their metabolism going, and they may use up their fat and water reserves before spring.

Feeding:

As with most in this family, ladybirds will eat huge numbers of aphids in both the larval and adult stages

LARVA: carnivorous, aphids

Some Facts About Ladybugs:

1. Ladybugs are the most popular and widely used beneficial insects for commercial and home use. Ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day but will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects, and are one of the most active predators, searching from dawn to dusk for food.
2. Ladybugs will consume over 5,000 aphids each in their lifetime. Pollen and nectar are necessary for maturation of newly emerged ladybug adults, particularly before a winter hibernation season. Adults can survive on pollen and nectar for limited periods, but a supply of aphids or other prey is necessary for egg production.
3. Ladybugs become active at about 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Ladybugs are cold-blooded and hibernate in cold weather.
5. There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide - 400 of which live in North America.
6. A ladybug's top flying speed is about fifteen miles per hour.
7. Ladybugs lay their eggs where aphids are present. Both lady bugs and their larvae eat aphids. The eggs of ladybugs are not visible to the naked eye.
8. A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime.
9. Ladybugs are a type of beetle. All species of ladybugs have short legs. This separates them from other beetles.
10. Ladybugs chew from side to side and not up and down like people do.
11. The ladybug is the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Tennessee.
12. A ladybug excretes a yellowish liquid when it is threatened. The liquid has a terrible smell to its predators.
13. The Asian Lady "Beetle" can live up to 2-3 years if the conditions are right.