Ladybugs (Coccinellidae) are insects that belong to the Coleoptera order, where the different types of beetles are found, and to the Coccinellidae family. They correspond to a fairly diverse group, with about 79 genera, in which there are a large number of species. They are mainly characterized by their small sizes, with rounded or elliptical shapes, and although some do not have attractive colors, others, on the contrary, have very striking ones, as well as distinctive combinations or patterns on their bodies.
These tiny insects are generally beneficial as biological controllers, but in certain cases they can cause agricultural damage. In this article on our site we want to present you with information specifically about where ladybugs live, so we invite you to continue reading the next few lines.
Ladybug distribution
Ladybugs have a wide distribution, being present in America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania, which also corresponds to their diversity. These insects have been highly valued in the field of agriculture, as they are excellent biological controllers of certain animals that can become pests, such as aphids and mealybugs.
These pests cause significant damage to plantations, not only because these latter insects parasitize the plants, but also because in certain cases they transmit pathogens that they also cause harmful effects on plantations.
In view of this pest control action, certain species of ladybugs have been introduced from one country to another, to take advantage of these beneficial effects. An example of this can be found in the Australian ladybug (Rodolia cardinalis), which was introduced from Australia to North America, given its particular predatory action on the shoots of the cottony mealybug (Icerya purchasi), which damages citrus crops.
If you want to know more about the Types of ladybugs that exist, don't hesitate to take a look at this article.
Ladybug Habitat
Ladybugs are distributed throughout a significant variety of habitats, which also includes, ecosystems with diverse seasonaltemperatures. Thus, it can have a presence in both warm and temperate areas. In fact, in the latter case, when temperatures drop enough, these insects can enter the phenomenon known as diapause.
In this sense, these beetles develop in natural areas which include:
- Meadows
- Grasslands
- Swamps
- Shrublands
- Forests
They have even been detected in protected natural areas in North America. As for humanized ecosystems, they are present in gardens, parks and agricultural fields, which include different types of crops, such as: alfalfa, clover, corn, cotton, potatoes, soy, citrus, among many others.
Thus, Ladybugs live on different types of plants, such as trees, bushes, grasses, weeds, plant leaves, and plants with flowers. Certain species seek refuge in plant areas protected by hedges or dense grasses and rocky covers, to enter diapause.
Examples of ladybug habitat
Next, let's learn about examples of the habitat of some species of ladybugs.
Seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)
It is one of the best-known species, mainly in Europe and Asia, where it comes from. However, it is currently quite widespread, not only in these regions, but also in America, a space in which it has been introduced. The presence of the seven-spot ladybug, more than with the habitat itself, has to do with the availability of food , especially of aphids, to which preferentially consume.
In this sense, this species can develop in different climates, where herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees are found in swamps, fields, agricultural areas, parks and urban areas.
Nine-spot Ladybird (Coccinella novemnotata)
This species has also been fairly known, but unlike the previous one, it is native to the regionnearctic United States and southern Canada , however, in recent years, an alarming decline in their populations has been reported. Traditionally it was developed both in natural, urban and agricultural spaces, thus, it could be present in forests, grasslands, soybean crops, corn, cotton, alfalfa, among others.
Although strategies for its conservation are not reported, due to its drastic decline, studies are needed to know the reasons and, in addition, to establish actions to recover the species, due to itsimportant role within the trophic webs in ecosystems.
Twenty-two-spotted ladybug (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
This is a peculiar type of ladybug, due to its striking body pattern, made up of yellow color and spots or black dots. It is native to Europe, and differs from other species by its main consumption of mold. Inhabits fields, meadows and gardens, generally in low vegetation
Pine ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus)
Distributed in certain regions in Asia, Europe, and North America. Although it can be found in various types of habitats, it is most often found in pine forests and also deciduous.
Spotted ladybug (Coleomegilla maculata)
Although more appropriately called the pink spotted ladybug, it is native to North America, and thrives in diverse ecosystems where food sources exist like aphids. Proliferates appropriately in crops such as wheat, sorghum, corn , apples, tomatoes, beans, among others. It is a species widely used as a biological controller.
Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)
As its name indicates, it is originally from Asia, where it occupies countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, among others, without However, it has been introduced in Europe, Africa and much of America. It commonly inhabits meadows and open fields, with the presence of flowering plants and deciduous trees, it is also found in a great variety of crops, in which it has been introduced for biological pest control.
Convergent ladybird (Hippodamia convergens)
It has a common distribution range in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, being a common species in the United States, Canada and South America. It is present in forests, meadows, gardens and crops, especially in wheat, sorghum and alfalfa; while in winter it takes shelter in logs and buildings
Three-striped ladybird (Brumoides suturalis)
With a characteristic pattern on the body, from which its name originates, It is native to Asia, having a distribution in countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Pakistan , Sri Lanka and also is in Oceania in Papua New Guinea.
