Take Time to Appreciate the Little Things
Autumn is here and fall colours are painting the Credit River Watershed in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. While our eyes are drawn upward to the dazzling canopy, it’s worth remembering the small, six-legged creatures working quietly at ground level. One of these tiny but mighty allies is the lady beetle. Here are some interesting facts about lady beetles you can share at the table this Thanksgiving.
What are Lady Beetles?
Lady beetles, often called ladybugs or ladybirds, belong to the family Coccinellidae. These small, rounded beetles have dome-shaped outer wings that are often red with black spots.
Ontario is home to 88 lady beetle species, 81 native and seven introduced. Some are tiny and hard to spot, while others vary in colour and pattern beyond the classic red with black spots.
The Story Behind the Name Lady Beetles
The name “lady beetle” has roots in European folklore and language. In medieval times, farmer’s crops were threatened by aphids, when these beetles, who love to feast on aphids, appeared. Over time, they were associated with Mary, an important figure in the Christian tradition, who was often depicted in red garments. Traces of this connection remain today in words like the German Marienkäfer, or “Mary’s beetle.”
What They Eat
Lady beetles are natural pest managers. Most feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites and scale insects, with larvae doing most of the heavy feeding. Adults may also sip nectar and pollen.
Why They Appear in Your House
As temperatures drop, adult lady beetles search for safe places to spend the winter. In nature, they tuck themselves under logs, rocks or bark crevices. But homes, sheds and garages can offer the same cozy protection. Large fall populations outdoors often mean large numbers indoors once the cold sets in.
How Lady Beetles Repel Predators
When threatened, lady beetles have clever ways to defend themselves. Their bright colours warn predators that they might taste bad, which is a natural form of camouflage called aposematism. If that warning isn’t enough, they use a defense called reflex bleeding, releasing a small drop of yellow, smelly fluid from their leg joints. This toxic liquid tastes unpleasant and can deter birds and other predators, helping these tiny beetles survive another day in the garden.
Small Creatures can Play a Big Role
As you admire the brilliant fall colours, remember the tiny beetles at your feet. Lady beetles are hardworking pest controllers, indicators of biodiversity and proof that even the smallest creatures play a big role in keeping nature in balance.
How You Can Help
Unfortunately, several once-common native species have declined sharply, out-competed by introduced species and affected by habitat loss, pesticides and disease. Two native lady beetles are now considered Species at Risk. Here’s how you can help:
- Observe and share: Snap photos of lady beetles and upload them to iNaturalist to help track local species.
- Be an insect ambassador: Remind friends and neighbours that insects are fascinating, beneficial and vital to healthy ecosystems.
- Support biodiversity: Read our booklet, “Beneficial Insects on Your Farm” and learn how to enhance grassland habitat on your property and get beneficial insects to work for you.
Learn more about insects in the Credit River Watershed.
Share your photos of insects with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
By Laura Timms, Program Manager, Natural Heritage Management
I have noticed that the ladybugs enjoy eating the leaves and buds of the lilies in my garden. How do I avoid this.
Hi Rose,
Almost all lady beetles in Ontario are predators that feed on other insects that damage plants, including aphids and scale insects. There is one introduced lady beetle species that feeds on bean plants, but not on lilies. It sounds like you might be seeing lily leaf beetles, a bright red beetle that is not a ladybug and is also an introduced species. One of the best ways to manage lily leaf beetles is by picking them off the plants as you see them. You can read more here: https://gardening.usask.ca/articles-and-lists/articles-insects/article-red-lily-leaf-beetle.php