Ladybugs in Georgia

Identification

• Ladybug larvae have elongated bodies and are black with yellow, flexible spines along their sides. Adults have an oval or round shape and typically have a bright color somewhere on their body. Asian lady beetles have an orange or red outer shell covered in black spots. This shell is split down the middle and can open to reveal a pair of wings underneath. Larvae are unable to fly. Ladybug eggs are small, spherical and yellow. They can be found attached to the undersides of leaves.

Benefits

• Georgia was one of the states the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced Asian lady beetles to between the 1960s and the 1990s. They were applied particularly to apple and pecan crops. These ladybugs were introduced because they feed on pest species like aphids, scales and other soft-bodied insects. Today, all species of ladybugs in Georgia remain beneficial insects because they help keep pest insect populations down.

Considerations

• Beginning in the fall, ladybugs seek shelter in which to overwinter before reemerging in the late winter or early spring. Many Georgia homeowners find ladybugs, especially the prolific Asian lady beetle, en masse in their homes. Although they are harmless to humans, when they aggregate in a home they are often considered pests. When they are disturbed they emit an acrid odor and a yellow secretion that can stain furnishings and other surfaces.

Time Frame

• The typical time for a ladybug in Georgia to go from the egg to adult stage is approximately 36 days during cool spring weather. Eggs hatch 3 to 5 days after being laid and larvae feed anywhere from 12 to 14 days. They then pupate for 5 to 6 days before emerging as an adult. Adult ladybugs live between 2 to 3 years.