- Although there are about 5000 different species of ladybugs in the world, they share many physical similarities. Ladybug adults appear like small, round or oval beetles with bright colors and white or black spots. The carapace or "shell" of the ladybugs covers wings. The beetle's legs and antennae are so short that they may be difficult to see. Ladybug larvae resemble small alligators with their long-bodies with long legs and antennae. They are often as brightly-colored as the adults. Their bright colors serve as poison warnings to birds and insects.
- Ladybugs die from most pesticides, including those used to kill insect pests of apple trees. Never use pesticides on apple trees if possible in order to avoid killing beneficial insects like ladybugs. Just one ladybug eats about 5000 aphids in its short lifetime, according to the University of Kentucky's entomologist Ric Bessin. Ladybugs can be purchased from garden stores and online sites, but planting nectar-bearing flowers near apple trees will also attract them.
- The 20 spotted ladybug appears to eat fruit tree leaves, especially the leaves of apple trees. However, it does not eat leaves but the powdery mildew growing on leaf surfaces. If left unchecked, the mildew could ultimately harm the tree. Adult 20 spotted ladybugs only grow just under one-eighth of an inch long, have black spots and a base color of yellow or white.
- One species of ladybug called the multicolored Asian lady beetle or Harmonium axyridius regularly clusters in swarms in autumn. Swarms cover buildings, rocks and trees. These beetles are looking for hibernation spots to spend the winter. Native to Asia, the beetles commonly lodge into cracks in trees or cliff faces for the winter, but when introduced to America, often swarm warm buildings or tree trunks growing in strong autumn sunlight. Asian lady beetles also eat insect pests on trees and orchards, so ultimately they benefit apple trees.
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