Types of Ladybugs in Tennessee

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles, are very common insects in and around Tennessee. Did you know more than 5,000 different species of ladybugs exist? It’s true! Ladybugs comprise the entirety of the family coccinellidae and can be found around the world. Here are some of the most common types of ladybugs you’ll find around your home or business in Tennessee:

Convergent Lady Beetle

Convergent lady beetles, or Hippodamia convergens, are one of the most common ladybugs found throughout North America. Like all ladybugs, convergent lady beetles feature a bright shell that houses a pair of wings. Ladybugs display their bright colors as a warning to predators, as ladybugs can secrete foul-smelling and foul-tasting droplets from their legs when they feel threatened.

You can identify convergent lady beetles by their bright red elytra and their 12 dark spots. Convergent lady beetles feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. As a result, convergent lady beetles are often well-regarded by farmers whose crops might otherwise be damaged by aphids.

Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle

As its name suggests, the seven-spotted lady beetle features seven spots on its red elytra: three on each wing, and one across both. Like the convergent lady beetle, the seven-spotted lady beetle also preys on aphids. This type of ladybug is found in the United States but is also the most common ladybug throughout many parts of Europe. Like other ladybugs, the seven-spotted lady beetle can grow as large as 10mm in length.

Asian Lady Beetle

Specifically introduced from Asia in the early 20th century to fight aphids, the Asian lady beetle has clawed its way to the top of the “most common ladybug” standings throughout much of the country. It is such an effective predator of aphids that it has overtaken many native species of ladybugs.

Asian lady beetles can vary from tan to orange to bright red in color, with spots that can also range from very dark to very faint. You can best identify Asian lady beetles from other ladybugs from their white-and-black M-shaped marking on their head. Asian lady beetles are also more aggressive than other ladybugs and are more apt to bite humans or pets.

Other Ladybugs

While you are most likely to encounter the previous three species of ladybugs, they aren’t the only ones you’ll find in Tennessee. Here are some of the other ladybug species you might find in your garden or yard:

• Three-banded lady beetle
• Twenty-spotted lady beetle
• Eye-spotted lady beetle
• Orange spotted ladybug

Contact U.S. Pest Protection to Identify Your Ladybug Problem

U.S. Pest Protection has experience dealing with ladybugs of all types, and we can help identify which pests are bugging you. You don’t need to worry that your ladybug problem isn’t important enough—we offer a free inspection and estimate to better serve you and get you the info you need. Contact us today!