Delaware State Bug

A look into Delaware's ladybug

Mariam Samake

Ladybugs or what scientist might call Coccinellidae are little insects known for being colorful and its spotted apperance. There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs. All of these species have different appetites. Farmers love these insects for their appetites. Most ladybugs voraciously consume plant-eating insects, such as aphids, and in doing so they help to protect crops. Ladybugs lay hundreds of eggs in the colonies of aphids and other plant-eating pests. When they hatch, the ladybug larvae immediately begin to feed. They can often be seen in forests, gardens, weed patches, and vacant lots full of weeds. Lady bugs actually have a very stable population.

State Bug

The ladybug was adopted as the official state bug of Delaware April 25, 1974 thanks to an intensive effort made by Mrs. Mollie Brown-Rust and her 2nd grade students of Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford, Delaware.

Delaware Ladybugs Species

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Cardinal Ladybird

Cardinal ladybirds are found everywhere in Delaware. Red wings with black spots, black legs, brown feet, and brown antennae. They have hairs at the upperpart of their body.

Convergent LadyBeetle

Convergent Lady Beetles are a common native ladybug in Delaware. Oval, dark orange body with as many as 13 black spots that vary in size.

Fourteen-Spotted Ladybug

Fourteen -Spotted Ladybird Beetle is widespread in Delaware and continues to spread. This species was brought to North America to help control Russian Wheat Aphids.

Fourteen-Spotted Ladybug

This ladybug lives in several different habitats, including mixed forests, meadows, or fields.

Pink-Spotted Ladybug

Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle lives where its prey are, which is their favorite aphid. Most are pink, but some may be bright orange or red. Each wing contains six black marks, Oblong and flat.

Fact 1

In many western US locations, convergent lady beetles emerge after a long fall and winter metabolic slow down (diapause) to mate and lay several batches of eggs in spring. 

Fact 2

When large clusters of ladybugs are collected from winter aggregations for pest control down at lower elevations—a faulty strategy anyway since the transplanted ladybugs often fly off upon release. Better to attract ladybugs to your garden by planting their favorite daisy and umbel family flowers

Delaware

Delaware, constituent state of the United States of America. The State is organized into three counties—from north to south, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—all established by 1682.

Convergent Ladybeetle

In many western US locations, convergent lady beetles emerge after a long fall and winter metabolic slow down (diapause) to mate and lay several batches of eggs in spring. Commonly known to be in Parks.

Cardinal Ladybugs

This ladybug species originated in Australia, and was brought over for biological pest control. They are spread over most of the United States.

Pink-Spotted Ladybug

Aphids are located in crops and grains. Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle are mostly located toward the south of Newcastle.

Pink-Spotted Ladybug

Delaware

Delaware, constituent state of the United States of America. The State is organized into three counties—from north to south, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—all established by 1682.

Convergent Ladybeetle

In many western US locations, convergent lady beetles emerge after a long fall and winter metabolic slow down (diapause) to mate and lay several batches of eggs in spring. Commonly known to be in Parks.

Cardinal Ladybugs

This ladybug species originated in Australia, and was brought over for biological pest control. They are spread over most of the United States.

Pink-Spotted Ladybug

Aphids are located in crops and grains. Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle are mostly located toward the south of Newcastle.

Pink-Spotted Ladybug

The Lady Bug shall be the Offical State Bug for the State of Delaware