The purpose of some insects

Beyre, Now that you mentioned it I have one to add to your list. In our area we have been overwhelmed by lady bugs. Not the native ones, those cute little red ones with black dots, nor is it the muli-colored, orange, yellow , red and black Asian ladybugs.

But a newer type of Asian ladybug that is said to have accidentlly arrived in New Orlean's from an Asian freightner. This ladybug has appeared in great numbers, by the thousands, through-out our area and in other states as well. It is darker in color and is a big nuisance in homes for when the temperatures drop and these beetles enter homes and buildings, by means of flattening themselves and crawling through very small crevices in search of a place to hibernate.


Unlike native ladybugs, who become inactive during cold months, these beetles,in a warm home become very active. They leave a sticky yellow trail behind themselves when they crawl, which is their blood. This blood also contains a substance called pheromones that is the beetles means of communication with other ones during mating and hibernation. It helps other ladybugs find each other and tells future generations of a good spot to winter-over. If frightened or squashed, this substance has a very bad stinky smell.

Normally ladybugs eat insects smaller than themselves, that are soft-bodied and sap-sucking insects like aphids and mealybugs, and spider mites. The larvae can eat up to 5000 aphids. In the springtime, adult native ladybugs seek food and then lay eggs in aphid colonies. Eggs hatch in 3-5 days and larvae feed for 2-3 weeks, then pupate on plant stems. Adult ladybugs emerge in 7-10 days. In the fall they seek areas to hibernate.

Again, unlike the native species that do not bite or sting or carry human disease, nor feed on wool or clothing or food, this newer type nuisance Asian ladybug bites and eats plants. The USDA, claims they do not know how it arrived in our area. However, the idea of them being carried long distances by hurricanes and other storms is a real possibility.

Does this sound like a guest you might like to have stay the winter with you? lol