Ohio State Insect

Ladybug

(Coccinella spp.)

Adopted in 1975.

In June 1975, the Ohio legislature declared the common ladybug, officially named the Ladybird Beetle, (Coccinella Spp.,) as Ohio State Insect. The ladybug was chosen for its attractive markings and helpful eating habits.

The Ladybug is the Official State Insect of six states; New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Tennessee. The Lady Bug is the Official State "Bug" of Delaware.

Ohio State Insect: Ladybug

The Coccinellidae are a family of small beetles, ranging from 0.8 to 18 mm (0.0315 to 0.708 inches). They are commonly yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, heads and antennae. Such colour patterns vary greatly, however; for example, a minority of species, such as Vibidia duodecimguttata, a twelve-spotted species, have whitish spots on a brown background. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone.

It helps farmers by controlling insect pests, especially aphids. In folk medicine, ladybugs were believed to cure various diseases such as colic and measles. In folk medicine ladybug beetles were used to cure various diseases including colic and the measles.

Characteristics of the Ohio Ladybug

Adults:

The life cycle is about four weeks as the ladybug larvae passes through four growth stages feeding on insects and insect eggs. The reddish-orange ladybug has distinctive black spots on each wing cover.

Defense:

Bright colors generally indicate that the insect is armed and dangerous! In this case the ladybird is advertising it's bitter taste. When handled the ladybird will exude drops of pungent fluid which stain the hand and taint it with a long-lasting smell.

Feeding:

As with most in this family, ladybirds will eat huge numbers of aphids in both the larval and adult stages

LARVA:

carnivorous, aphids

Some Facts About Ladybugs:

1. Ladybugs are the most popular and widely used beneficial insects for commercial and home use. Ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day but will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects, and are one of the most active predators, searching from dawn to dusk for food.
2. Ladybugs will consume over 5,000 aphids each in their lifetime. Pollen and nectar are necessary for maturation of newly emerged ladybug adults, particularly before a winter hibernation season. Adults can survive on pollen and nectar for limited periods, but a supply of aphids or other prey is necessary for egg production.
3. Ladybugs become active at about 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Ladybugs are cold-blooded and hibernate in cold weather.
5. There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide - 400 of which live in North America.
6. A ladybug's top flying speed is about fifteen miles per hour.
7. Ladybugs lay their eggs where aphids are present. Both lady bugs and their larvae eat aphids. The eggs of ladybugs are not visible to the naked eye.
8. A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime.
9. Ladybugs are a type of beetle. All species of ladybugs have short legs. This separates them from other beetles.
10. Ladybugs chew from side to side and not up and down like people do.
11. The Ladybug is the Official State Insect of six states; New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Tennessee. The Lady Bug is the Official State "Bug" of Delaware.
12. A ladybug excretes a yellowish liquid when it is threatened. The liquid has a terrible smell to its predators.
13. The Asian Lady "Beetle" can live up to 2-3 years if the conditions are right.

Ohio Law

The Ladybug was designated as the official state insect by Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, 111th General Assembly, 1975-1976 Session. The Ladybug is one of two official Ohio State Symbols that is not official by law. The other member of this lawless duo is the official State Rock Song.

Taxonomic Hierarchy: Lady Bug

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)
    Subphylum: Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class: Insecta (Insects)
Order: Coleoptera (Beetles)
    Suborder: Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Long-horned, Leaf and Snout Beetles)
No Taxon: (Series Cucujiformia)
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
    No Taxon: (Coccinellid group)
        Family: Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
            Subfamily: Coccinellinae
Genus: Coccinella