Ladybug With No Spots

Ladybugs have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These brightly colored insects are a welcome sight in the garden or on a flower, and they are known for their ability to repel many pests that attack plants. While the majority of species of ladybug have spots, some have none at all. Some may even have stripes or other markings that make them appear different from their spotted cousins. These different-looking ladybugs have spawned numerous legends and myths, including the idea that one can tell a ladybug’s age by counting its spots. This is false, however, as the number of spots on a ladybug does not indicate its age or anything else about it.

The common multi-spotted red ladybug that you see in your garden or on flowers is a native species called Lidiae matutina. It was brought to the United States in the early 1900s to help control aphids on fruit trees, and it became a popular choice for homeowners to use in their gardens as well. However, this non-native ladybug was not designed to overwinter inside houses and soon grew out of control in many parts of the country. This led to a number of problems, including the destruction of crops and plant materials as it moved from vegetable plants to houseplants. In an effort to reduce the population of this destructive beetle, people began releasing native Asian ladybugs into areas where it had not previously existed. Unfortunately, these beetles were not designed to overwinter in houses and have been displacing the populations of the Lidiae matutina ladybug.

Many of the Asian lady beetles that have been released to combat the Lidiae matutina population are not multi-spotted. The spots on these beetles range in color from white to black and may not line up exactly the same way on each wing cover, also called an elytron. They have a very similar appearance to the native Lidiae matutina ladybug, so it can be difficult to tell them apart at first glance. However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish the two species from each other.

Look for the M

One of the most reliable ways to distinguish between a true multi-spotted ladybug and a beetle that has no spots is to examine the wing covers for a black “M” shape. The elytra (wing cover) on a multi-spotted ladybug will have a distinct rim that is clearly visible. The multi-spotted Asian beetle wing covers may not have this marking, and their wing covers are more oval than round when viewed from above.

A true multi-spotted ladybug will have four to six spots arranged in groups of two on each elytron. The beetles that do not have this arrangement are either Lidiae matutina or the much rarer nine spot ladybug, which is close to extinction. In addition to this, the nine-spotted ladybug will have a yellow to orange coloration and only five spots on each elytron. Lastly, this beetle has a clear area on its head that does not extend past the frons.