What do ladybugs eat?
Quick Answer
Ladybugs primarily eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects, consuming up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime. They also feed on mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and occasionally pollen and nectar when prey is scarce.
Key Takeaways
- Aphids make up the majority of a ladybug's diet
- A single ladybug can consume 50+ aphids per day
- They also eat mites, scale insects, and other soft-bodied pests
- Larvae are even more voracious than adults
- Some species supplement with pollen and nectar
- Different ladybug species have slightly different prey preferences
Primary Food Sources
Ladybugs are primarily predatory insects with a diet focused on small, soft-bodied garden pests:
Aphids (Primary Prey)
Aphids constitute the majority of most ladybugs' diets:
- Consumption rate: 50-60 aphids per day for adults
- Lifetime total: Up to 5,000 aphids per ladybug
- Preference: Green peach aphids, rose aphids, and bean aphids
- Hunting method: Active searching and direct consumption
Other Soft-Bodied Insects
- Spider mites: Two-spotted spider mites and red spider mites
- Scale insects: Soft scales and armored scales
- Whiteflies: Both adults and larvae
- Thrips: Small flying insects that damage plants
- Mealybugs: White, cottony insects on plants
Ladybug Larvae Diet
Ladybug larvae are even more voracious predators than adults:
Larval Feeding Characteristics
- Consumption rate: Up to 400 aphids during larval stage
- Duration: 2-3 weeks of intense feeding
- Prey preference: Same as adults but in greater quantities
- Behavior: More aggressive hunters than adults
Seasonal Diet Variations
Ladybug diets change throughout the year based on prey availability:
Spring and Early Summer
Peak feeding season with abundant prey:
- High aphid populations provide primary food source
- Active breeding season requires increased nutrition
- Larvae consume vast quantities for rapid growth
- Optimal hunting conditions with moderate temperatures
Late Summer and Fall
Transitional period with changing food availability:
- Declining aphid populations
- Increased consumption of alternative prey
- Some pollen and nectar consumption
- Preparation for winter dormancy
Winter
Dormant period with minimal feeding:
- Most ladybugs enter diapause (dormancy)
- Little to no feeding activity
- Survival depends on stored body fat
- Some species may feed on stored pollen
Alternative Food Sources
When preferred prey is scarce, ladybugs may consume alternative foods:
Plant-Based Foods
- Pollen: From various flowering plants
- Nectar: Sugar-rich flower nectar
- Honeydew: Sweet substance produced by aphids
- Soft fruits: Occasionally damaged or overripe fruits
Other Protein Sources
- Small caterpillars and beetle larvae
- Insect eggs (including their own species)
- Dead insects and organic matter
- Fungal spores in some cases
Species-Specific Diet Differences
Different ladybug species have slightly different dietary preferences:
Seven-Spot Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)
- Primarily aphid specialist
- Prefers large aphid colonies
- Occasionally feeds on pollen
Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
- More diverse diet including fruits
- Can be crop pest in vineyards
- Aggressive predator of multiple pest species
Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens)
- Specialist in aphid control
- Particularly effective against cotton aphids
- Supplementary pollen feeding
Feeding Behavior and Hunting
Ladybugs employ specific strategies to locate and consume prey:
Hunting Strategies
- Active searching: Methodical movement across plants
- Chemical detection: Following pheromone trails
- Visual hunting: Spotting prey clusters
- Aggregation feeding: Multiple ladybugs on large colonies
Role in Garden Pest Control
Ladybugs provide significant economic and ecological benefits:
Pest Control Benefits
- Natural pesticide: Chemical-free pest control
- Crop protection: Reduces agricultural pest damage
- Garden health: Maintains balanced insect populations
- Economic value: Reduces need for chemical treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aphids does a ladybug eat per day?
An adult ladybug can consume 50-60 aphids per day, while larvae can eat up to 400 aphids during their 2-3 week development period. Over their lifetime, a single ladybug may consume up to 5,000 aphids.
Do ladybugs eat plants or flowers?
Ladybugs occasionally consume pollen and nectar when prey is scarce, but they don't damage plants. Some species may feed on soft fruits, but they're primarily beneficial predators, not plant pests.
What attracts ladybugs to gardens?
Ladybugs are attracted to gardens with abundant aphid populations, diverse flowering plants for pollen, and pesticide-free environments. Plants like dill, fennel, and yarrow can help attract them.
Do ladybugs eat other ladybugs?
Yes, ladybugs can be cannibalistic, especially when prey is scarce. They may eat eggs and larvae of their own species, and larger species may prey on smaller ones.
Should I buy ladybugs for my garden?
While you can purchase ladybugs, they often fly away to find better habitats. It's more effective to create conditions that attract native ladybugs by providing diverse plants and avoiding pesticides.
Garden Pest Control
Support beneficial insects in your garden:
