The Hadda Beetle is a type of ladybird known for its 28 spots and congregation around potato plants.
If you find yourself in possession of some of these, you may be wondering what it takes to care for and keep this unusual species happy.
In this Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata article, we’ll introduce the Hadda Beetle, review the essentials of its care, and provide an overview of common health issues.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hadda Beetle, 28-Spotted Ladybird |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 3 to 4 months |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 7-10 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 77-88°F |
What Are Hadda Beetles?
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, also known as 28-spotted Ladybirds, are members of the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as ladybugs or ladybird beetles.
Hadda Beetles are known by their alternate common name “Hadda” because of their supposed resemblance to the Hindi mythical Hadda bird.
Originating in India, these lady beetles are large in size, round in shape, and typically have spots distributed across their wings.
They can be found on large, broad-leaved trees and shrubs, and have a wide array of diet habits depending on their geographic location.
Create the perfect home for your beetle with our Customizable Beetle Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.
What Do Hadda Beetles Look Like?
Hadda Beetles are small insects that range in size from 7 to 10 millimeters in length.
They are characterized by their dark oval-shaped body and often have an orangeish-red sheen.
They have three legs on each side of their body and two antennae on their heads.
Their eyes are located on the side of their head, and they are well adapted for digging and burrowing.
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata has a range of colors that can vary as they molt, but generally range from deep orange to pale red and even brownish red, with striking orange spots adorning each leg.
Some specimens have yellow or white spots all over their body.
Benefits Of Using Hadda Beetles
28-spotted ladybirds are a unique species of beetle that can add a lot of life and color to any vivarium.
This species of beetle is easy to care for and offers great benefits such as creating natural diversity, providing a source of food for other animals, and introducing a necessary ecosystem for the maintenance of the enclosure.
Hadda Beetles are also excellent recyclers, breaking down decaying plant matter that can accumulate in tanks and keeping the terrarium soil healthy.
In addition to their helpfulness, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata adds a fascinating pop of color and texture to the vivarium and can be great conversation starters when showing off your set-up.
Hadda Beetle Facts
Hadda Beetles are medium-sized black and red spotted beetles that feed on growing leaves, larvae, and pupae in the wild.
They are easy-going, low-maintenance pets, with a lifespan of up to a few months depending on environmental conditions, and can reproduce by eating decaying organic material like fruits and vegetables.
Habitat
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is native to parts of Asia and the Middle East but has been known to live in diverse regions such as North America and Canada.
In their natural habitats, they are found crawling around trees and plants outdoors, foraging for small insects and other food sources.
They live in a variety of climates, ranging from desert areas to woodlands and fields.
Their habitats are typically humid or moist environments with an abundance of foliage for food and shelter.
Hadda Beetles are commonly seen in moist, tropical areas and they are particularly fond of feeding on plant matter such as flowers and leaves.
This is beneficial to farmers, gardeners, and other folks growing their produce as they help to keep pests from eating food sources.
In addition, they are excellent predators for controlling populations of aphids and other garden pests.
Though their natural habitat and diet can vary by region, Hadda Beetles have an incredibly resilient and adaptable nature all over the world.
Our Bioactive Beetle Substrate Blend is specially formulated to meet the needs of various beetle species, providing an optimal balance of moisture and nutrients.
Diet
In their natural habitat, Hadda Beetles are omnivores.
This means that they feed on both vegetation and animal matter.
During the larval and pupal stages, Hadda Beetles may feed on plant material, such as leaves, stems, and flowers, as well as other insects.
As adults, their diet shifts toward plant material and they may also consume seeds, mold, and fungi.
Additionally, 28-spotted ladybirds are known to supplement their diet with bacterial and fungal material obtained from the feces of birds.
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata has delicate digestion systems and must be provided with a balanced diet to remain healthy.
Temperament
The temperament of Hadda Beetles around humans and other animals is generally docile.
They are quite content to wander and explore their environment rather than actively engaging with their owners.
In addition to being low-maintenance pets that require minimal attention, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata are not aggressive and won’t bite or harm humans or other animals.
These beetles are also quite shy and tend to hide away when disturbed or when unfamiliar visitors enter the room.
They may stay out in the open to rest or wander during the day, but they will often retreat to a hiding spot such as under a rock or leaf when they feel threatened.
As such, they can easily coexist with other animals such as cats and dogs.
Owners should, however, be sure to supervise any interaction between their Hadda Beetle and other animals and pets.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is up to 4 months.
To ensure that your Hadda Beetle has a long and healthy life, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.
The life cycle of this lady beetle begins with an egg, which then hatches as larvae.
The larvae tunnel through wood and other matter as they feed on the cellulose found in it.
During this stage, they go through several instars, or molts, until they reach adulthood.
In the adult stage, 28 spotted ladybirds are found in dead or dying trees and logs.
They feed on organic matter and are attracted to sweet substances such as ripe fruit.
They overwinter in their pupal stage, or cocoon-like appearance in the bark of the tree or log.
Properly caring for your Hadda Beetle will ensure that its life cycle can be completed, and they can experience a long and peaceful life.
Breeding
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata reproduce by way of sexual intercourse.
Female Hadda Beetles lay eggs up to around 9 days after mating, with each cluster containing up to 30 eggs.
Because Hadda Beetles can breed relatively quickly, it’s important to keep up with adequate care and apply preventative measures to control population growth.
Where To Find Hadda Beetles
Finding Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata in the wild is not often easy due to their small size and nocturnal habits.
They can be found in shrubbery and dense patches of vegetation where they feed on plant matter.
If you are in an area where these beetles are known to reside, you may be able to find them during daylight hours with some patience.
If you would prefer to purchase your Hadda Beetle rather than searching for them in the wild, you can contact a local pet shop that specializes in reptiles or exotic insects.
You may also be able to find them on online sites such as eBay and other exotic pet supply companies.
When buying from these sources, be sure to research the seller to ensure they are reputable and knowledgeable about the care of these beetles.
Hadda Beetle Care
To properly care for a Hadda Beetle, you must provide an appropriate environment with the correct temperatures and humidity, as well as a suitable diet.
Additionally, it’s important to stay mindful of common health issues such as digestive problems and parasites, as well as to provide a good grooming and activity regimen to maximize lifespan.
Tank Requirements
The ideal tank for Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata should be a clean, dry terrarium with a secure lid and good air circulation.
You should strive for a neutral to slightly alkaline water pH, with corresponding hard water and a temperature of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
A sandy substrate is preferred, as it enables the Hadda Beetle to dig and burrow.
In regards to terrarium lighting, it is recommended to provide a photoperiod of 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness.
You can also add live terrarium plants and logs to the tank, which will help to provide more hiding spots.
What Do Hadda Beetles Eat?
Feeding your 28-spotted Ladybird is an essential part of maintaining its health and well-being.
An ideal diet for Hadda Beetles should include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other sources of protein and nutrition.
Here is a list of food that you can feed Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata:
- Fruits: Apples, oranges, grapes, berries, and bananas.
- Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Protein sources: Small worms, crickets, and mealworms.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, collard greens, dandelion leaves, and lettuce.
It’s vital to avoid feeding your lady beetle anything that could be hazardous to her health, such as raw meats, processed foods, and sugary fruit juices.
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 Hadda Beetles
One of the most important decisions for a Hadda Beetle owner is selecting a suitable tankmate.
Care must be taken when making this decision as these beetles can be quite aggressive.
They do best when kept alone or with other ladybugs of the same species.
However, there are a few other animals that have similar beneficial qualities that can be kept with Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.
The best tankmates for the beetles are other small terrestrial beetles.
These animals can help reduce excess humidity in the tank and provide company for the ladybird.
Other good tankmates for paludariums include poeciliid fish such as guppies, endlers, endless platys, and swordtails.
These fish can help keep food sources in check and seldom bother the ladybug since they are underwater.
Regardless of the tankmate chosen, careful watch over the tank’s inhabitants is critical to ensure the health and safety of the Hadda Beetle.
Conclusion
By following the care tips in this article, you should have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively care for Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.
Proper maintenance of humidity and temperature, regular grooming and shedding sessions, and a healthy balanced diet are key factors for providing your 28-spotted bug with a healthy life.
Create the ideal habitat for your beetles with our species-specific soil mixes and Insect Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a successful and thriving beetle habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Use a vacuum cleaner to capture and remove the 28 spotted ladybirds.
– Avoid leaving outdoor lights on, as this attracts the ladybirds.
– Prevent the ladybirds from entering your home by sealing any cracks or openings around doors and windows.
– Plant mint and other aromatic herbs near your house to help repel the ladybirds.
– Hang yellow sticky ribbons near affected areas to trap the ladybirds.
The 28-spotted ladybird, also known as Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, can be identified by its small size, round shape, and distinctive black body with 28 orange spots evenly distributed across its wing covers.