There is a lot of confusion between ladybugs and Asian beetles considering how similar they are. Their colors and markings are similar after all, since both are small, brightly colored flying insects. Asian beetles are actually species of ladybugs, which makes things even more confusing. There are many similarities between the two insects, including their habitats and their food sources. Since they are so similar, can they be distinguished? They are indeed quite different and there are a few key differences between them.
The Main Differences Between Ladybug vs Asian Beetle
The size, shape, and facial markings of Asian Beetles and Ladybugs are different. Asian beetles range from red to orange in color, while ladybuys are bright red with black spots. Furthermore, Asian beetles are slightly longer than ladybugs.
Join us as we learn exactly how to distinguish between ladybugs and Asian beetles.
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Ladybug vs. Asian Beetle: Color
Ladybugs and Asian beetles can be distinguished by their colors. The red color of ladybugs is always accompanied by black spots. Species vary in the number of spots, but the seven-spot variety is one of the most common. Asian beetles, on the other hand, are typically orange in color. Moreover, Asian beetles have a variety of spot patterns on their wings, and sometimes their wings are completely void of spots.
Ladybug vs. Asian Beetle: Shape
It is also important to note that ladybugs and Asian beetles differ in shape. Even the shape of the ladybug’s head is rounded or oval. Despite having an oval appearance, Asian beetles are longer and have pointed snouts and heads.
Ladybug vs. Asian Beetle: Head
It is the markings on the heads of ladybugs that distinguish them from Asian beetles. In addition to having black heads, ladybugs also have small white markings on the side of their heads. They often resemble cheeks because of these small markings.
Asian beetles have noticeable markings along with their pointed heads. The white area behind the head of Asian beetles has a dark mark, which can be shaped like an “M” or a “W”. There is always a marking on every Asian beetle, no matter how large or small it is.
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Ladybug vs. Asian Beetle: Behavior
One of the easiest ways to distinguish Asian beetles and ladybugs is by their behavior. Winter is a time when Asian beetles seek warmth indoors, but ladybugs don’t.
In the winter and early spring, Asian beetles enter homes and buildings in search of shelter. They tend to congregate around window frames and doors, or in any area where they are unlikely to be disturbed. A Asian beetle bites by scraping the skin when it lands on it, in addition to biting. A foul-smelling yellow liquid is also excreted from their leg joints when they are disturbed. It comes out when you crush them too, and is called “reflex bleeding.”. Even though it is not harmful, it can stain walls, ceilings, fabrics, etc. Minor allergies can also occur as a result of it.
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Ladybug vs. Asian Beetle: Diet
Due to their ability to eat pest insects, ladybugs are extremely beneficial to crops and gardens. Aphids – such as blackflies and greenflies – are sap-sucking insects that feed on plants and crops, causing them damage.
In spite of the fact that Asian beetles eat pesky aphids, the benefits that they provide are generally outweighed by the negatives. Apples, grapes, and raspberries are also infested and eaten by them. It is generally agreed that they do spoil quite a lot of fruit, even though they may only threaten fruit that has already been compromised by worms or birds.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ladybugs and Asian beetles belong to the same family?
Since Asian beetles are actually a species of ladybug, they belong to the same family group. Coccinellidae, commonly known as ladybugs, are a family of around 5,000 species of small beetles. Harmonia axyridis belongs to the subfamily Coccinellinae and to the genus Harmonia.
Is there a reason Asian beetles are sometimes called “the many-named ladybird”?
There are so many names for Asian beetles that they are sometimes called the many-named ladybird. In addition to harlequins, they are also known as multicolored Asian beetles, Asian lady beetles, Halloween beetles, and pumpkin ladybirds.
Is the Asian beetle a pest?
We have described the behavior of Asian beetles that makes them a pest. Their behavior is generally less good than ladybugs – they eat and spoil fruit, invade homes, bite, and exude a foul smell.
Is there a difference between the larvae of a ladybug and an Asian beetle?
There is a difference in color between the larvae of these two insects. There are many red/orange spots on the body of a larva of a native ladybug. Larvae of this species can grow up to 3/8 of an inch in length. When they pupate and attach themselves to the undersides of leaves, they last around one month in their larval stage.
There are orange spots located both on the sides and in the center of the larvae of Asian beetles. The larvae of the Asian beetle can grow up to a third of an inch long, and they last about 15 to 25 days in this stage. The ladybugs also molt four times during this stage before they become pupae.
