What Do Ladybugs Eat?

While ladybugs are primarily known for their predation of aphids and other small insects, some species occasionally turn to leaves as a supplementary food source. However, leaves are not a primary nutritional choice for most ladybugs, as they offer limited nutritional value compared to the protein-rich insects they typically consume. The value of leaves lies in their role as a habitat and an important source of water!

Seeds

Seeds serve as an important food source for various ladybug species, particularly those that exhibit a more diverse diet beyond their primary consumption of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Multicolored Asian Ladybug (Harmonia Axyridis,found throughout eastern Asia) and the Twice-stabbed Ladybug (Chilocorus stigma,found in Hawaii), have been observed feeding on seeds, especially when other food sources are scarce. Seeds provide essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are crucial for their health and survival.

Fungus

Many species of ladybug consume fungus and fungal structures as part of their diet, particularly where traditional prey like aphids is scarce. Ladybugs such as the Sordid Ladybug (Scymnus (Nephus) corticis) and Seven Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) have been documented consuming fungal matter, which provides a range of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These ladybugs are typically found in temperate and subtropical regions such as the damp, forested areas of Europe and North America, where mushrooms and other fungi are abundant.

Nectar

Nectar is the sweet and nutritious liquid produced by plants. Nectar serves as a crucial food source for ladybugs, providing them with essential sugars that fuel their energy needs. Despite being more commonly known for their consumption of aphids and other pests, several ladybug species also rely on nectar for nourishment, particularly when their primary prey is scarce. For example, the Coccinella septempunctata, or seven-spotted ladybug, found across Europe and parts of Asia, often feeds on nectar from various wildflowers.  Harmonia axyridis, also known as the multicolored Asian lady beetle, which has spread to North America from Asia, shows a preference for nectar in addition to its diet of aphids. 

Pollen

Ladybugs don't just spread pollen, they consume it! Pollen is rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and offers significant nutritional value for ladybugs, supplementing their diet and supporting their reproductive health. Although ladybugs are predominantly known for preying on aphids and other small insects, several species also consume pollen, especially when aphid populations are low. In North America, the Harmonia axyridis, or multicolored Asian lady beetle, has adapted to consuming pollen from various flowers. Another species, Epilachna varivestis, known as the southern corn rootworm ladybug,  also supplements pollen as a food source. 

Plants

While ladybugs are best known for their role in consuming aphids and other pests, some species have adapted to feed on plant tissues, such as leaves and roots, especially in times when their usual prey is scarce. For example, the Epilachna varivestis, or southern corn rootworm ladybug native to the southeastern United States, feeds on the leaves of corn plants and other crops. The Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, or Twenty-Eight-spotted ladybug (found in parts of Africa and Asia) also includes plants as part of its diet.

Fruit

As you can expect, ladybugs love to munch on delicious fruit! Fruit, rich in sugars and essential nutrients, can serve as a supplementary food source for ladybugs, though it is not their primary diet. While ladybugs are chiefly known for consuming aphids and other small insects, some species opportunistically feed on fruit, especially when their usual prey is not available. The sugars in fruit provide a quick energy boost, and the vitamins and minerals support their nutrition. For example, our own Pink-Spotted Ladybug found throughout North America, is known to feed on overripe fruit as an alternative to its usual diet. 

Vegetables 

Vegetables provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and sugars, which can benefit ladybugs, especially in maintaining energy and supporting reproductive health. The Epilachna varivestis, or southern corn rootworm ladybug, primarily feeds on the leaves of corn plants. Additionally, the Epilachna paeninsularis, or the Mexican bean beetle, which inhabits parts of Central and North America, feeds on many leguminous vegetables.

Sugar

Sugar, a high-energy carbohydrate, provides significant nutritional value for ladybugs and a quick source of energy that supports their active lifestyle. While ladybugs are predominantly insectivorous, feeding primarily on aphids and other small pests, some species have adapted to consume sugary substances when their primary food sources are scarce. For example, the Harmonia axyridis, or multicolored Asian lady beetle, native to Asia but now widespread in North America, is known to feed on sugary juices of fruits.

Eggs

Eggs, particularly those of other insects, can serve as an important food source for ladybugs, offering rich proteins and fats essential for their growth and development. While ladybugs are renowned for consuming aphids and other small pests, several species also prey on the eggs of insects. For example, the Coccinella septempunctata, or seven-spotted ladybug, found across Europe and parts of Asia, may consume the eggs of aphids and other small insects as part of its diet. The Epilachna varivestis, or southern corn rootworm ladybug, which resides in the southeastern United States, has also been observed consuming insect eggs.