Ladybugs also called lady beetles are among the most familiar insects; easily recognizable are benign guardians of gardens, eating aphids and other pests that threaten our plants. Praying mantids are another easily recognizable insect that benefits our plants.
Not all of the nearly 6,000 species world-wide ladybug eat insects some eat pollen, others eat mold spores, while others have become farm nuisances, with the Mexican bean beetle damaging bean and alfalfa and squash lady beetle attacking squash plants.
Some Asian lady beetle which was introduced into the United States in the twentieth century to control aphids becomes problematic as they enter homes in the Southern Appalachians.
Ladybug belong to the Coccinellidae family with over 5,000 species world-wide Some of whom have the characteristic red with black spots that has red or orange outer wings and some we would never recognize. Browse the Guestbookentries Sign The GuestBook
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