Orange beetles stand out in nature with their vivid and varied colors. From bright pumpkin orange to rich burnt orange, these insects display a kaleidoscope of hues on their wing covers and bodies. Orange beetles belong to the expansive order Coleoptera, which encompasses over 400,000 beetle species. Let’s explore some of the most eye-catching orange beetle species, their key traits, habitats, and ecological roles.
What Makes Orange Beetles Different
Unlike other brightly colored creatures orange beetles don’t produce their own pigments. Their orange hues come from pigments ingested from plants. Some species can even change color by adjusting internal humidity levels. When threatened the golden tortoise beetle switches its normal gold shade to orange by rapidly increasing internal humidity. This color change startles predators.
Orange beetles vary greatly in size, from minute species like the red pumpkin beetle at just 5mm long to sizable grapevine beetles reaching over 25mm They occupy diverse habitats from rainforests to deserts worldwide. Most orange beetles are plant eaters, but some are predators that hunt soft-bodied insects like aphids. Others have evolved fascinating symbiotic relationships, like burying beetles that inter dead animals or pollinating soldier beetles.
Let’s look at some key orange beetle species and their defining traits
Vivid Ladybugs
Ladybugs belong to the family Coccinellidae and are some of the most familiar orange beetles. The seven-spotted ladybug has an orange body with seven black spots. It preys on crop pests like aphids. The highly variable Asian lady beetle was imported to North America to eat invasive aphids. It can be orange, red, or yellow, with variable spots.
Other orange ladybugs include:
- Parenthesis lady beetle: Bright orange with black spots and markings
- Convergent lady beetle: Orange-brown with black stripes
- Squash lady beetle: Bright orange with black spots that eats squash and melon crops
Tiny Leaf Beetles
Leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae munch on plant leaves and vegetation. The red pumpkin beetle is a bright orange pest in the US Southeast that devours squash and pumpkin crops. The spotted asparagus beetle eats asparagus and has black dot markings on its red-orange wings.
The locust leaf miner beetle tunnels into cherry and oak leaves, leaving noticeable mine trails. Larger elm leaf beetles are orange pests that can kill elm trees during heavy infestations.
Underrated Pollinators
Soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae are key pollinators with orange and black coloration. The goldenrod soldier beetle has an orange body with black wing patches. It spreads pollen while feeding on flowers like goldenrod.
Net-winged beetles have black bands on their orange wings. Look for them fluttering over flowers in search of nectar.
Nature’s Recyclers
Burying beetles are the undertakers of the insect world. To reproduce, they bury small dead animals and lay their eggs on them. The margined burying beetle is an orange and black species that inters dead squirrels and birds in woodlands.
Some fungus beetles have developed mutually beneficial relationships with fungi. They spread fungal spores while feeding. The pleasing fungus beetle tunnels under tree bark where fungi grows.
Stealthy Predators
While most orange beetles are harmless plant eaters, some are fearsome predators. Longhorn beetles capture and devour other insects with their long antennae. The black and orange flower longhorn beetle hunts in meadows and gardens.
Blister beetles like the orange blister beetle can emit a toxic chemical that blisters skin. Their bright colors warn predators to stay away.
Pest Problems
A few orange beetle species can severely damage crops. The Colorado potato beetle is infamous for decimating potato plants. This yellow-striped beetle has evolved resistance to pesticides in some regions. Careful crop monitoring and hand-picking the beetles are organic ways to control infestations.
The spider mite destroyer lady beetle was imported to North America to eat invasive spider mites. However, its orange larvae also attack pecan crops. Beetles must be carefully selected before introduction as biocontrol agents.
Appreciating Orange Beetles
From tiny leaf nibblers to corpse undertakers, orange beetles occupy diverse ecological roles. Some are boons to gardens by devouring pests, while a few invasive species damage crops. Careful monitoring and correct identification of orange beetles allows us to protect our plants while supporting beneficial species that enrich ecosystems. Their bright colors add a spark of wonder to nature. Next time you spy an orange beetle, take time to observe its behaviors and appreciate its place in the circle of life.
What Do Boxelder Bugs Look Like?
If you come across black and orange bugs, you may be seeing boxelder bugs. These types of insects have black with reddish or orange markings on their back in the form of a pattern, adult boxelder bugs have a body shape that is a somewhat-flattened and elongated oval and is about half an inch long. They have six legs and two antennae that are typically half of their body length. Nymphs look similar to adults but lack wings and are bright red in color instead of the familiar black and orange pattern. Do Boxelder Bugs Bite?
Boxelder bugs are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin, causing a slight irritation and producing a red spot similar to a mosquito bite. This is another reason why it’s best to avoid them. Where Do Boxelder Bugs Live?
Overwintering adult boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation in late March to early April when the boxelder buds open. During this time, the adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. They first feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later move to the female boxelder trees or maple trees where they eat newly developing leaves. Occasionally, these black and orange bugs will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.
The females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs and trees – especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees. The eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch about two weeks later. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. There are two generations per year in the warmer regions of the United States.
In the fall, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These black and orange bugs tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. Can Boxelder Bugs Hurt You?
Inside, boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, meaning they shouldn’t be considered a threat. This is because they don’t typically intend to bite humans. However, if you notice the distinctive black and orange pattern of these bugs, you should avoid them, as their mouths can irritate your skin like a bite.
Their fecal material can cause a red stain on curtains, drapes, clothing, etc. Like stink bugs, when crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs can also produce a strong, disagreeable odor. This is why it is often recommended you contact an exterminator instead of trying to handle an infestation on your own. Signs of a Boxelder Bug Infestation
Boxelder bugs generally become a problem when they invade homes, sheds and garages in the fall and when they emerge in the spring. Like many overwintering pests, homeowners may see evidence of these bugs as the winter ends and they leave their overwintering site to go back outdoors. Signs of an infestation include red stains on cloth items like curtains or clothing. How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs
Several steps can be taken to prevent boxelder bugs from invading homes. This includes:
- Repairing holes in window and door screens
- Sealing cracks and crevices with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk
- Installing door sweeps to all exterior entrances
The good news is that a boxelder bug is nothing to fear — their presence can simply be a nuisance.
If you do find an infestation of black and orange bugs and need to get them out of your home or other building, be careful of DIY efforts to kill them. No attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids, because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles (larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc). Experts recommend waiting until summer when all live overwintering adults are out of the wall voids. To provide temporary relief during this time, consider using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the boxelder bugs. The bag should be removed to prevent the bugs from escaping. Then, seal up any entryways into the living space – window pulleys, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. – to prevent a future infestation. For electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts and return air vents, remove the coverplate, seal and replace. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal and replace.
If a boxelder bug infestation is suspected, a licensed pest control professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the problem. Since they can attract other pests, it’s an infestation best to avoid dealing with on your own.
You can find a certified pest professional near you with the helpful zip code search below.
What is a Boxelder Bug?
Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. This black and orange bug is native to the western states, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada, wherever boxelder trees are found. Since boxelder bugs don’t bite, they are primarily a nuisance pest. These black and orange bugs enter structures including homes, sheds and garages to overwinter.
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FAQ
What are these orange beetles?
A clear distinction between these two insects is their color. Ladybugs are bright red while Asian lady beetles are orange and yellow. Besides color, these insects have different black spots on their backs. Ladybugs have 11 black spots while Asian lady beetles have around 19.
How do I get rid of orange beetles?
- Act Immediately. Sometimes, even with all the prep, you can find yourself face-to-face with a lady beetle infestation. …
- Winterize your home. …
- Check Screens. …
- Keep Your Yard Trim. …
- Turn Lights off at Night. …
- Keep A Garden. …
- Make a Light Trap. …
- Vacuum Them Up!
What are the orange bugs in my house?
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These are black with red or orange markings, about half an inch long, and are known for their foul odor when crushed. They are a nuisance pest, meaning they don’t typically bite or cause harm, but their sheer numbers and potential to stain walls can be problematic.
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These look like ladybugs but have a more orange hue and are often seen in large numbers around homes in the fall and winter. They are also seeking shelter from the cold and can release a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed.
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These are small, red, orange-brown, or dark green mites with a round body and eight legs. They are larger than other common mite species and can be easily seen by the human eye.
Are click beetles harmful?
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Adult Click Beetles:
- Adult click beetles are not known to bite or sting humans, and they are not considered dangerous.
- Their defense mechanism involves a clicking sound and a sudden flip, which can be startling but not harmful.
- They are primarily a nuisance due to their presence, especially in homes.
- Adult click beetles are not known to bite or sting humans, and they are not considered dangerous.
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Click Beetle Larvae (Wireworms):
- Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause significant damage to crops, particularly in gardens and fields.
- They feed on roots and stems of various plants, including potatoes, corn, and other vegetables.
- Damage can be severe, especially in young plants.
- Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause significant damage to crops, particularly in gardens and fields.
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- Click beetles have a complete metamorphosis, with egg, larval (wireworm), pupal, and adult stages.
- The larval stage can last for several years before the beetle pupates and becomes an adult.
- Click beetles have a complete metamorphosis, with egg, larval (wireworm), pupal, and adult stages.
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Control and Prevention:
- To reduce the likelihood of wireworm infestations, practices like clean cultivation, clean fallowing, and planting crops during warm weather in shallow soil can be helpful.
- If you suspect a wireworm infestation, WebMD recommends contacting a local entomologist or agricultural expert.
- To reduce the likelihood of wireworm infestations, practices like clean cultivation, clean fallowing, and planting crops during warm weather in shallow soil can be helpful.
Where can I find black and orange beetles?
The listing below showcases common Beetles with the colors Black and Orange associated with them and found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are a total of in the InsectIdentification.org database based on this description. 2025 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2025 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved.
What are orange beetles?
Orange beetles are unusual insects due to their various orange shades and black markings. It’s not uncommon to find orange-colored beetles in gardens scurrying over foliage or running across the ground. You may also come across beetles with orange bodies in your home. The most common type of orange beetle is probably tangerine-colored ladybugs.
Are orange beetles arthropods?
Orange beetles — like all species of beetles — are arthropods belonging to the insect order Coleoptera. Beetles are grouped into genera and species to help identify specific kinds. There are over 400,000 species of beetles, a few of which have distinct orange and black colors.
Is orange beetle a beneficial insect?
This orange beetle is considered a beneficial insect because it feeds on aphids and insect larvae. The orange-colored beetle is active in summer, where its primary habitat is grasslands. The common red soldier beetle is identified by its elongated shape, orange head, thorax, legs, and reddish-orange elytra.
Are orange beetles dangerous?
Unfortunately, these flying insects are also attracted to lights at night and can get into homes this way. However, the orange insects are harmless. Grapevine beetles are easily recognized by their pale to dull orange color, with a minor triangular black marking between the top of their wing covers.
What do orange and black beetles eat?
This orange and black beetle doesn’t feed on plants as it only prefers to feed on decaying plants. Its wings show alternating wide orange and black bands. The orange nuances can be bright, close to yellow. They can also be dark orange, close to red. Its legs and antennae are black while its thorax has orange and black nuances.