How to Care for a Lady Bug

Most people can identify the red beetle with black spots as a ladybug. However, this common insect found throughout the U.S. is actually a European native. Ladybugs, also known as ladybeetles (Coccinella septempunctata) have short lifespans. The entire lifespan of a ladybug, from egg to adult only lasts three to seven weeks. During both their larval and adult stages, ladybugs consume a carnivorous diet of mostly or only aphids. Their short lifespans and food choice make caring for a ladybug a good introduction to insect keeping.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic pet container
  • Dirt
  • Clippers
  • Squirt bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      House the ladybug in a small animal plastic container. These containers are sold at most pet retailers and have a plastic lids with air vent holes.

    • 2

      Put a 1-inch layer of dirt on the bottom of the container as substrate. You can use any dirt from your yard.

    • 3

      Clip rose bushes with aphids with garden clippers and put them inside the container. Aphids live on the flowers and leaves close to the flower and can be seen on visual inspection of the plant. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, aphids can be black, red, brown, yellow or green in color. If you see small slow moving insects clumped together around and inside the flower, these are likely aphids. The ladybug will feed on the aphids and you will need one to three roses for each ladybug.

    • 4

      Replace the rose clippings daily. A ladybug can eat more than 100 aphids a day, reports the National Geographic website, and needs a fresh food source each day.

    • 5

      Mist the container with a squirt bottle once a day. Although the ladybug will get most of its fluid from the aphids, it can also drink droplets from the plant leaves.