Ladybugs are one of the most beloved insects, especially by children. Their bright red bodies and black spots make them instantly recognizable. However, not all ladybugs have spots. There is a fascinating diversity of spotless ladybug species around the world. Learning about these unique bugs opens up the wonders of nature.
An Abundance of Spotless Species
While the classic red-and-black spotted ladybug immediately comes to mind, there are actually over 5,000 species of ladybugs globally. Most of these do not have spots at all. Ladybugs span a rainbow of colors and patterns beyond just red and black.
There are numerous spotless ladybug species native to North America. The Western Polished Ladybug has a red back without any spots. The Streaked Ladybug comes in brown, yellow, and red morphs, all spotless. The Steelblue Ladybug has metallic blue wing covers.
Many spotless species have also been introduced to North America and other parts of the world from Asia and South America. The Larch Ladybug, Metallic Blue Ladybug, and Mealybug Destroyer are all examples of spotless ladybugs introduced to control agricultural pests like aphids and scale insects. Their voracious appetites provide natural pest control.
Camouflage and Warning Colors
There are evolutionary reasons behind the diverse colors and patterns of ladybugs. Some spotless species use camouflage to blend into their surroundings, like the brown Larch Ladybug that lives in pine forests.
Other vividly colored spotless ladybugs use aposematic warning signals. Their bright contrasting reds, oranges, blues and yellows warn potential predators of toxins. The Spotless Ladybug’s red back signals its foul taste.
So while spots may help some species stand out, spotless ladybugs have their own survival strategies with protective coloring.
Fading Spots and Diet
Young ladybugs emerge from pupation without spots. The distinctive patterns appear as their exoskeleton hardens. Research shows that ladybugs with a nutritious diet as larvae develop brighter, more intense spot patterns.
Spots fade as adult ladybugs age. An older faded ladybug likely had poor nutrition earlier in life. But they never lose spots entirely. So faded spots can give clues into a ladybug’s life history.
Agricultural Helpers
Farmers and gardeners welcome many spotless ladybug species. As voracious predators, they help control destructive aphids, scale insects, and mites.
Introduced species like the Larch Ladybug, Mealybug Destroyer, and Metallic Blue Ladybug were brought to new habitats specifically to manage crop pests. Their huge appetites curb damage to plants.
So while the classic spotted ladybugs are still loved, agriculture relies heavily on diverse spotless species for natural pest control. Their important ecosystem services support sustainable food production.
Appreciating Diverse Beauty
Spotless ladybugs showcase nature’s creativity, with unique colors and patterns evolved for survival. Appreciating their beauty and diversity deepens our bonds with the natural world.
Learning about spotless ladybugs also reveals their important roles in ecosystems, like pest control. This inspires greater care for all life, even small insects. Exploring spotless ladybugs shows that you cannot judge a beetle by its spots, but instead must look deeper at their hidden values.
Behavior Differences Between Ladybugs and Invasive Asian Lady Beetles
The biggest difference of behavior is how they shelter in the winter. Ladybugs don’t sneak into your home the way Asian lady beetles do. While ladybugs overwinter in sheltered sites outdoors, Asian lady beetles often enter homes.
Asian lady beetles will gather in large groups, especially around warm, reflective surfaces like windows. The swarm can even find its way into your home. If you notice the bugs congregating in or around your home in fall or winter, they’re probably Asian lady beetles.
Other differences include biting. Asian lady beetles are biters while ladybugs very rarely bite. If you notice that the insects in your garden are nibbling on you, it’s probably the invasive Asian lady beetle.
Your nose can also tell you if you’re dealing with ladybugs or Asian lady beetles. Ladybugs won’t cause any odors, but Asian lady beetles secrete a yellow, foul-smelling scent. An unpleasant smell can tip you off to an Asian lady beetle invasion.
Paying attention to these subtle differences can tell you if you need ladybug pest control or Asian lady beetle pest control services.
Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful to Humans?
An Asian lady beetle is no match for humans, but they are an incredible nuisance. Asian lady beetles “bite” by scraping the skin they land on. And when they feel threatened, they may excrete a foul-smelling, yellow liquid from their leg joints. This excretion is called “reflex bleeding” and can also happen when they are crushed. Reflex bleeding isn’t dangerous or poisonous, but it can trigger minor allergic reactions. They can also stain walls or fabrics, damaging your property.
Ladybug Without Spots
FAQ
What does it mean if a ladybug has no spots?
On the reverse side of the spots theory, if a ladybug with no spots lands on you, it’s a sign that you will encounter your true love. Whether you are going to meet someone, rekindle a romance, or maintain a good relationship, a love fortune is promised to anyone who encounters one of these lucky bugs.
Are spotless ladybugs poisonous?
Fortunately these often-colorful insects are not poisonous to humans and only harmful to pets if they eat the ladybugs. They do not carry human diseases, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have harmful side effects to some people who are allergic to them.
What ladybugs don’t have spots?
Cycloneda sanguinea is a widespread species of ladybird beetle in the Americas. This ladybug can be distinguished from others because of it’s lack of spots on the elytra.
What are spotless ladybugs called?
sanguinea. All these Cycloneda species are sometimes called spotless lady beetles.
What is a spotless Ladybug?
The Spotless Ladybug (Cycloneda sanguinea) is one of the most common species with no marks on the elytra, as its name suggests. These ladybugs have red or orange-red elytra that are rich in color and slightly black on the edges. This makes the bulk of the body lack any black, brown, or white markings. Black is the dominant color of the head.
Are there ladybugs without spots?
Though there are many species of ladybugs that follow the pattern of having spots, there are also many that do not have spots at all. There are around 5,000 different species of ladybugs across the globe.
How do you know if a ladybug is spotless?
First, try to determine if it’s a spotless ladybug or if it just has a few spots. If it’s the latter, then there’s no need to worry – the spots will likely appear over time. However, if the ladybug is truly spotless, it may be suffering from leucism, which is caused by a lack of pigmentation.
How many spots does a Ladybug have?
Ladybugs can have as many as 13 spots on the upper part of their wings. Not all ladybugs are red with black dots. Some types of ladybugs (lady beetles) have varying colors and patterns, ranging from just over 1 mm to over 10 mm in length.
What does it mean if a ladybug loses 5 black spots?
A literary fable about a ladybug, Enriqueta, who loses five black spots from her shell suggests that seeing a spotless ladybug indicates closeness to true love or rekindling an old friendship. Those are Asian beetles. They look like lady bugs at first glance but have different spots and white “cheeks”. They are pests and they bite if …