Question: I just saw my first yellow and black ladybug! I live in Germany, but previously lived in North Carolina. Are the yellow and black ladybugs more common in Europe?
- Kayla
Answer: Yes, yellow and black ladybugs are native to Europe but can be found (although less often) in North America too. The Common Spotted Ladybird Beetle is probably most often seen in North America (with the introduced Asian Ladybird Beetle following behind) however ladybugs come in all kinds of colours and patterns with larvae that also differ depending on the species. The site What’s That Bug has a fantastic page of ladybug photographs to give you an example of the diversity out there.
More:
- Lots more photos here
- Bug Guide
- The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control – A very thorough book that covers identification and natural pest control solutions. An incredibly helpful resource to have on hand!
Wow. That ladybug photo link is amazing. I knew there were several varieties of LadyBugs, but not *that* many.
I grew up in Hawaii, and we only ever had the black ones. They were usually a bit iridescent. The polka dotted ones still fascinate me! Still not used to them.
It is funny how what is common-place in one person’s experience is exciting in another’s.