California Ladybug (Coccinella californica)

What Are California Ladybugs?

California Ladybugs, scientifically known as Coccinella californica, are small, oval-shaped beetles belonging to the Coccinellidae family.

They have a varying number of spots on their shells, along with two orange or cream-colored triangles at the end of their heads.

The common name ‘California Ladybug’ comes from the fact that these beetles are commonly found in the western part of North America from Canada down to Mexico.

These types of ladybugs feed on aphids, pollen, and small insects, making them an invaluable part of the local environment.

What Do California Ladybugs Look Like?

California Ladybugs are known mainly for their bright, vibrant colors.

These small beetles are usually reddish-orange with black spots, but can sometimes display yellow or white colorations.

Adult Coccinella californica has an oval-shaped body that’s approximately 5 to 8 mm in length and has two pairs of wings and six long legs.

Their antennae are short and black, and they have large, protruding eyes.

Their mouthparts are made of a pair of thread-like, segmented mandibles, which they use to feed.

The adult beetles also have two short rods located on either side of their heads, which are used to control their emissions of a foul-smelling fluid as a defense mechanism against predators.

Benefits Of Using California Ladybugs

Coccinella californica is beneficial for any garden or vivarium environment.

Not only do they provide a source of living, colorful pollinators, but they also naturally feed on pests and small insects which can wreak havoc in your mini-ecosystems.

Not only do these ladybugs help to keep pest populations in check, but they also help to enrich your garden’s biodiversity and add a unique and friendly touch to your space.

In addition, California Ladybugs provide a natural form of pest control without the need for potentially harmful chemicals, so your water, plants, and soil stay cleaner and healthier.

California Ladybug Facts

California Ladybugs are small, vibrant red beetles with black spots that have a lifespan of a few months.

These natural aphid predators are relatively docile and easy to care for and feed mainly on other insects, pollen, and plant nectar.

Coccinella californica also has the beneficial function of pollinating nearby flowering plants, making them the perfect companion to help revitalize your garden’s ecosystem.

Habitat

Coccinella californica is native to North America, mostly found in the western United States and parts of Canada.

Its natural habitat is hot, arid climates between sea level and 5000ft.

It has an affinity for warm, sunny, rocky areas of open woodland. 

In the summer, it can be found in abundance, while in the winter, it takes shelter in sheltered crevices.

Diet

In their natural habitat, Coccinella californica feeds on a variety of small insects, including aphids, mites, small caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests.

Additionally, they will also feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew.

As omnivores, they also have a taste for plant materials like plant saps and soft fruits.

It is a good habit to maintain an adequate food source for your ladybugs so they remain healthy.

California Ladybugs can find their own food, but providing a supplementary food source is a good idea. 

Temperament

Coccinella californica are gentle creatures and rarely bite, so they make great pet companions for children who are interested in studying the natural world.

However, remember that wild animals, even when domesticated, should not be handled without the proper precautions.

Ladybugs secrete a yellowish liquid when disturbed which has a unique odor, so if handled, gloves should be used.

If you keep California Ladybugs with other animals, it is good practice to make sure they have the appropriate protection from any larger predators.

Ladybugs are safe around cats and dogs, but other animals such as lizards and reptiles should be kept away, as they could see the lady beetles as prey. 

Ladybirds can also become overwhelmed when too many creatures are in the same container or enclosure, so make sure to consider the size of the enclosure and the number of other animals or pets in the same space.

Your ladybugs should always be in a space where they feel safe and able to move around freely.

Lifespan

The life cycle of the California Ladybug includes 4 stages which span between 3 weeks to more than 3 months.

In the first stage, the eggs are laid by the female Ladybug and then they hatch to become larvae.

During this stage, the larvae grow rapidly and molt several times.

After the larvae have grown enough, they will enter a pupal stage in which it forms a cocoon.

After a few days, the pupa emerges as an adult Coccinella californica and becomes ready to mate.

Breeding

California Ladybugs mate similarly to most other species of insects; during the mating session, the male and female stay connected by their genitalia.

They typically mate in the late summer and stay connected for several hours until the process is complete.

After mating, the female then goes on to lay her eggs in clusters, typically on the underside of leaves or nearby plants. 

The female can lay anywhere from 10 to twenty eggs each day until she’s laid them all.

The eggs are yellow-orange in color and about the size of a grain of rice.

Once the eggs are laid, they take about 3 to 4 days to hatch.

Where To Find California Ladybugs

Finding Coccinella californica in the wild is fairly easy, especially if you live in California’s temperate areas.

The most common way of spotting them is during the spring and summer months since that’s when they are most active.

It’s also possible to find them in fields, gardens, meadows, and other outdoor spaces. 

You may also buy California Ladybugs from a local nursery, pet store, or online store.

It’s a good habit to ensure that the seller can guarantee the species as some stores may mislabel them as a different type of ladybug.

Additionally, it’s always best to buy the healthiest and most active specimens you can find, as these will be easier to take care of.