The indisputable Eyed Ladybird boasts a distinctive appearance with its black spots adorned by yellow rings, setting it apart from most other ladybugs.
Not only is this species of lady beetle a stunningly beautiful insect, its small size makes it an ideal pet that can quickly be taken care of in a miniature environment.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive care guide for Anatis ocellata, from its unique needs to its favorite treats.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Eyed Ladybird |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Anatis ocellata |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Up to 1 year |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 8-9 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5-7.0 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 70-80°F |
What Are Eyed Ladybirds?
Anatis ocellata is a species of small beetle from the family Coccinellidae, typically found in the grasslands of Europe and parts of Asia.
The name ‘Eyed’ is derived from the beetle’s distinct large black spots which on its wings resemble eyes.
Small but striking, these insects have vibrant wings with spotted patterns in various shades of color.
What Do Eyed Ladybirds Look Like?
Compared to other ladybugs, Anatis ocellata is considered to be on the larger side measuring about 8 to 9mm.
It is comprised of an oval exoskeleton and has an incredibly smooth surface.
The Eyed Ladybird tends to have a reddish-brown color that is covered in an array of black spots.
Its most distinguishing feature is the beautiful black eyespots, located around its body and near the head.
The eyespots are surrounded by an orange or yellow border that adds an extra layer of color and visual interest to the creature.
Benefits Of Using Eyed Ladybirds
Vivariums are a popular home setting for Eyed Ladybirds.
This species of beetle is typically found in European woodlands and meadows, so these types of enclosures are an easy way to replicate their native habitat.
Terrariums provide the ideal conditions to keep Anatis ocellata both cool and dry without too much humidity, as well as offer easy access to water, food, and shelter.
These tanks also offer security protection from predators and provide an interesting and stimulating environment for your pet beetle to explore and thrive in.
Furthermore, due to their smaller size, vivariums make it easier to access and tend to the beetle when compared with larger enclosures in which a pet could easily hide.
Eyed Ladybird Facts
Anatis ocellata is a small, brightly-colored beetle found across Europe and North America.
It has a distinct black and yellow ocellated pattern on its back and typically feeds on aphids, plant lice, and other small insects in the wild.
In captivity, they can live for up to a year with the right care, and they require a warm, moisture-rich environment.
Breeding Eyed Ladybirds is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, as the female will lay up to 500 eggs over a single season.
Habitat
Anatis ocellata is a species of beetle that originates from Europe, Russia, and various parts of Asia.
It is typically found in open woodland habitats, meadows, heathland, and grasslands.
While its presence differs between countries, it is known to be one of the most common ladybirds in the United Kingdom.
Diet
In the wild, Eyed Ladybirds are mostly scavenging predators, meaning they feed on small bugs such as aphids and other small insects.
They will also sometimes consume plant sap and pollen, adding more variety to their diets.
Temperament
Eyed Ladybirds are generally shy around humans and other animals, and can become easily distressed when handled.
Therefore, it is best to observe Anatis ocellata from a distance and avoid offering it too much physical contact, as this can put a lot of stress on the beetle.
That being said, many Eyed Lady Beetles enjoy exploring their environment and will investigate new things if given the chance.
Depending on the individual beetle, you may even be able to coax it out of its shell and trigger more interactive behavior.
In terms of interactions with other animals, Eyed Ladybugs are usually peaceful creatures that don’t present a threat to any nearby creatures, unless they feel threatened themselves.
Nonetheless, it is good to keep in mind that Eyed Ladybirds are wild animals and can become defensive in certain situations.
Lifespan
Eyed Ladybirds have a relatively short life span of about 1 year.
During their lifetime, they will go through a number of distinct stages of development, which will help define their lifespan.
The first stage is the egg stage.
During this stage, Anatis ocellata eggs will be deposited into a warm, moist environment, such as bark or leaf litter, and will usually hatch within 9-12 days.
The second stage is the larval stage.
During this stage, Eyed Ladybirds will shed their skin multiple times and feed on soft-bodied insects and aphids.
After about 20-30 days, they will enter the adult stage.
During the adult stage, Eyed Ladybugs will feed on a variety of plant materials, including pollen, nectar, and the juice of mealworms.
Upon reaching the end of this stage, A. ocellata will enter its final stage, the reproductive stage.
At this point in their life cycle, the ladybirds will mate and lay eggs.
Breeding
Eyed Ladybirds mate in the spring and summer, beginning in May and ending in August.
Males and females will come together in mating aggregations, where the male will initiate courtship behavior by gently tapping the back of the female with its antennae.
If the female is receptive to the male, they will begin a courtship flight and eventually complete the process of mating.
The larvae will grow by molting up to four times before reaching adulthood, which takes about one or two months.
The adult beetle will keep growing for around four and a half months after it has emerged from its pupa. Adults generally live up to two years.
Where To Find Eyed Ladybirds
Anatis ocellata can be found in grasslands and meadows across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in warmer climates like the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.
Unlike many other species of ladybird, the Eyed Ladybird is harder to stumble across in the wild.
As such, if you’d like to have your own ladybird pet, you’re better off purchasing one from a reliable pet store or breeder.
When purchasing Anatis ocellata, make sure to look for any signs of distress or damage in both its exoskeleton and movements.
Eyed Ladybird Care
To care for Anatis ocellata, their environment should maintain the correct temperature, light, and humidity levels, and be kept clean.
They should be fed a diet of insects, fruit, and vegetables.
Interactions with Eyed Ladybirds can involve gentle handling and providing stimulating activities, such as setting up play tunnels and obstacles.
Good hygiene should be practiced to avoid common health issues.
With the right care, having a ladybird as a pet can be a rewarding experience.
Tank Requirements
The Eyed Ladybird is an easy species to keep in captivity as long as you provide it with a suitable home.
The best type of vivarium for Anatis ocellata is a screened terrarium or paludarium, which should be at least 5 gallons in size with plenty of hiding spots to provide privacy and security.
The ideal water pH is between 6.5-7.0, and the water hardness should be in the range of 5-10 dGH.
The optimum temperature range for an Eyed Ladybird is between 70-80℉, and it’s essential to avoid any sudden or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Keep in mind that these beetles require humidity to stay hydrated, so a regular misting schedule should be in place.
Moreover, provide your Eyed Ladybug with a soft substrate such as sphagnum moss and coco fiber peat to burrow and molt.
Finally, low to medium-intensity terrarium lighting is recommended to make your beetle feel comfortable and safe.
What Do Eyed Ladybirds Eat?
Feeding Anatis ocellata is an important step in helping them to remain healthy and thrive in their new home.
Luckily, these beetles are omnivorous and there are many different types of food that they will eat.
Some of the things that you can offer them include:
• Fruits: melon, peach, banana, apple
• Vegetables: endive, kale, collard greens, cabbage
• Grains or Bran: wheat, oats, Kamut, barley
• Insects: cricket, mealworm, waxworm
• Moist Foods: honey, molasses, fatty acids
It’s best to feed your beetle a variety of these foods, as this will ensure that their diet is balanced and nutritious.
Additionally, you can choose to feed them small pieces daily or leave food out for them to nibble at throughout the day.
Eyed Lady Beetles will not overeat, so don’t be afraid to leave food out all day.
Lastly, make sure that the food bowl you place in their enclosure is cleaned regularly.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these critters, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY ladybug food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Eyed Ladybirds
Anatis ocellata enjoy the company of other animals with similar beneficial qualities, such as:
- Mealworms: Mealworms are a popular diet choice for the Eyed Ladybird, and keeping them around will also give your pet some extra companions to interact with.
- Prominent Moths: Prominent Moths are another beneficial species for Eyed Ladybugs, and they are adept at controlling agricultural and stockyard pest populations, so they’ll benefit both your ladybird and the environment!
- Ground Beetles: Ground Beetles are great tankmates for A. ocellata because they will help to remove aphids and other pests from their environment. Plus, they are peaceful and unlikely to attack your Eyed Ladybird.
Conclusion
Anatis ocellata is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for pet that can provide you with many hours of entertainment.
With the right care, your pet will thrive for years to come!
Whether you’re an experienced beetle enthusiast or you’re brand new to the hobby, the Eyed Ladybird is an ideal, low-maintenance species that rewards the effort you put into its care.
Good luck with your new pet!