Why Some Ladybugs Don’t Have Spots: Differences Between Lady Bugs and Asian Lady Beetles
Ladybugs are notorious for their inky black polka-dots sprawling red, yellow, or orange armored backs.
However, as you may have seen, there are also beetles practically identical to ladybugs, with the same warm-toned coloring and shape—that don’t have spots. You have probably even seen more of these than the classic spotted ladybug.
Are you curious to know why some ladybugs don’t have spots? Keep reading to find out!
Why Some Ladybugs Are Spotted
Before we discuss spotless ladybugs, let’s consider why some have spots in the first place.
Believe it or not, a ladybug’s spots keep them safe. The dark spots against their red backs create an aposematic pattern, which is a visual deterrent to predators. Predators don’t eat small animals with red and black patterns because they instinctively associate them with negative consequences (like bitter flavor).
Myth vs. Truth
The title of this blog implies that 1) ladybeetles and ladybugs aren’t the same thing, and 2) that Asian ladybeetles do not have spots. Sorry for the clickbait, but these are common misconceptions—not facts.
That’s not to say we meant to mislead you; we hope to dissuade myths and redirect you to the facts.
Myth #1:
Lady Beetles Are Not Ladybugs
The Truth:
Ultimately, ladybug, lady beetle, and ladybird beetle are colloquially interchangeable terms for a variety of beetles from the same taxonomic family, (formally known as) Coccinelli.
However, this family includes many species; all beetles in this category have common nicknames that incorporate one of these three terms.
Myth #2:
Asian Lady Beetles Do Not Have Spots
The Truth:
Asian lady beetles are a specific type of coccinellid (i.e., ladybug, ladybird, or lady beetle) that can and sometimes do have a few spots, but some do not.
Why Some Ladybugs Don’t Have Spots
Ultimately, there is no sole, definite explanation for why some Asian lady beetles and other types of coccinellids are spotless, though entomologists and insect hobbyists have compelling theories.
Asian lady beetles are invasive pests that decimate crops and prey on other, more harmless varieties of coccinellids throughout the United States (to the point of throwing off a natural balance of neurodiversity). Some experts theorize that spotless Asian lady beetles are products of a genetic mutation like albinism. Others believe it could be an adaptation to attract mates.
Birmingham’s Best Experts on Pests
Thanks for reading today’s blog! To learn more about the destructive nature of Asian lady beetles and what distinguishes them from other lady bugs/birds/beetles (coccinellids), check out this extensive guide of comparisons.
If you’re in Birmingham or elsewhere in North-Central Alabama and need to rid your property of destructive Asian lady beetles, you’ve come to the right place. We’re Birmingham’s trusted source of effective pest control and preventative maintenance.
For 40+ years, our team of integrative pest management professionals from Vulcan Termite & Pest Control has proudly aided hundreds of families in Birmingham and nearby communities by investigating and solving problems with pests on their property.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods so you and your family can enjoy a pest-free home.