Ladybirds are a type of beetle many like for their colourful, spotted appearance. But the colours serve a purpose: they defend against dangerous predators, signalling that they taste disgusting and are not suitable to eat. Ladybirds are not only beautiful, they are also very useful [1, 2].
Both larvae and adults of ladybirds are effective pest controllers that feed on aphids and scale insects, but also other plant-eating pests. They are popular because they help protect flowers, plants and crops. They are so effective that they are used as biological control agents [1, 2].
Ladybirds thrive in several habitats, including grasslands, forests, cities, and along rivers. Due to habitat loss and climate change, ladybirds are threatened with extinction. They are also sensitive to pesticides [4]. Ladybirds are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and will die from dehydration if they become overheated.
Key functions
● Pest controllers
● Protects flowers and plants
● Biological diversity
Threat
● Destruction of habitats
● Loss of habitat
● Pesticides
● Temperature changes
Common species
There are about 5,000 known species of ladybirds in the world, with 68 resident species living in Sweden [3, 5].
Some species to discover in nature:
● Seven-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)
Artfakta.se – Seven spotted ladybird 
● Fourteen-spotted ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata)
Wikipedia – Fourteen-spotted ladybird
● Twenty-two spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
WildlifeTrust – Twentytwo spotted ladybird
● Two-spotted ladybird (Adalia bipunctata)
iNaturalist – two-spotted ladybird
● Fourteen-spotted ladybird beetle (Coccinula quatuordecimpustulata)
Artfakta.se – Coccinula – Fourteen spotted Ladybird beetle
● Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis
iNaturalist – Asian Lady Beetle
● Cream spotted ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata)
Wikipedia – Cream spotted ladybird
● Ten spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata)
Naturespot – Ten Spot Ladybird
● Sixteen Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata)
Naturespot – Sixteen spot ladybird
● Orange Ladybird (halyzia sedecimguttata)
Woodlandtrust.org – Orange Ladybird
Sources
- Kids.nationalgeographic.com – Facts about Ladybirds
- Nationalgeographic – Ladybug
- Artfakta.se – coccinellidae – Ladybird
- Adoptananimalkits – Earth & Animals Facts A-Z – Ladybug
- GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility – Ladybug
May 2022, TÄNKOM | Revised February 2024 RETHINK
