Several species could be considered Orange Ladybugs. Today, we will be covering the specific beetle Halyzia sedecimguttata.
These brightly colored ladybugs are both a sight to behold and a delight to keep.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of Orange Ladybug care, from setting up the right environment to understanding health concerns.
So, let’s dive right in and learn how to be the best Ladybug parent!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Orange Ladybugs, Sixteen-spot Orange Ladybirds |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Halyzia sedecimguttata |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Up to 1 year |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 4.5 to 6 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 7.0 to 7.8 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 66-80°F |
What Are Orange Ladybugs?
Halyzia sedecimguttata are small, oval-shaped beetles belonging to the family Coccinellidae.
They are bright orange and have sixteen spots on their wings.
Their common name comes from the distinct color of their wings, which resembles the bright hue of orange.
They can usually be found in gardens and woodlands, feeding on aphids and other insects.
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What Do Orange Ladybugs Look Like?
Orange Ladybugs measure about 4.5-6mm in size.
They are distinctively colored, with bright orange or reddish heads, legs, and abdomens, as well as clear wings under their shells.
They also have eight white spots on either side of the body and short, dashes that run diagonally along the wings.
Benefits Of Using Orange Ladybugs
Halyzia sedecimguttata can bring an interesting splash of color to any vivarium.
Not only will they add a vibrant hue to your space, but they can also be beneficial to the environment.
Adding a few of these friendly beetles to your enclosure or garden can help to keep fly populations under control.
They can also even help to pollinate any plants that you’re growing.
Furthermore, with their slow-moving and peaceful natures, Orange Ladybugs are a great choice for all types of vivarium dwellers.
Orange Ladybug Facts
Orange Ladybugs are small to medium-sized beetles with striking orange spotted coloration.
They are omnivorous, feeding on several organic materials, and have a lifespan of up to a year.
They are relatively docile and can often be handled safely, although they do have an olfactory defense.
Halyzia sedecimguttata reproduce by laying eggs in the soil; the eggs hatch within two to four months and the larvae feed until they make their transformation into adult beetles.
Habitat
Orange Ladybugs are native to Europe and parts of Southeast Asia.
They prefer areas with areas with vegetation such as grasslands and shrublands with warm climates.
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Diet
In the wild, Halyzia sedecimguttata consumes insect larvae, eggs, and other small bugs, including aphids.
In addition, some Orange Ladybugs will enjoy munching on algae, lichen, and fungi found on tree branches and bark.
As a result, they are excellent pollinators, helping disperse the seeds of flowering plants.
Though they primarily eat plant matter, they still need certain minerals and vitamins to remain healthy, which they usually get from the soil where they forage.
As avid sunbathers, their diet can also be supplemented with calcium-rich food sources, such as cuttlebone – a favorite snack of wild Orange Ladybugs.
Temperament
Halyzia sedecimguttata are quite gentle creatures and usually have no problems with humans and other animals.
Generally, they tend to avoid any aggression, even when being threatened by the presence of other animals.
There have been instances where a ladybug might bite if it has become agitated or is startled, but this is rare and isn’t something to worry about.
When it comes to other animals, an Orange Ladybug is most likely to just sit and watch – they are known for their docile nature.
Lifespan
Halyzia sedecimguttata has an average lifespan of one year. Female ladybugs live a bit longer than males.
The life cycle of Orange Ladybugs begins in early spring as they emerge from hibernation and find a mate.
Once mating has completed the female beetle lays eggs, which then hatch as grubs.
In a period of two to four weeks, these grubs go through various molting stages, ending in the adult form.
Once they reach adulthood, they mate, lay eggs, and start the cycle anew.
As Orange Ladybugs are sensitive to weather fluctuations, their lifespan is shorter during cold and wet seasons.
Therefore, special care must be taken to ensure a comfortable living environment with adequate temperature and humidity levels, as well as an appropriately balanced diet.
Breeding
Halyzia sedecimguttata reaches sexual maturity at approximately two months of age and reproduces nearly year-round in warm climates.
Males grasp the female during mating, and will typically mate with multiple partners.
After mating, female Orange Ladybugs will lay eggs in small clusters on the leaves of their favorite food plants.
The eggs will hatch in about one week and the larvae will feed and grow for around three months before becoming adult beetles.
During this time they will shed their skin several times as they grow.
As adults, male and female Orange Ladybugs may remain together for up to several weeks before parting ways.
Where To Find Orange Ladybugs
If you are looking to find Halyzia sedecimguttata for sale, the best place to search is specialized insect stores or online vendors that specialize in insects and arthropods.
You can always search for Orange Ladybirds in the wild, though it may be more difficult.
The best chances of finding them will be in the summer months since this is when they are most active.
Orange Beetles are usually found in grassy areas and wooded habitats, so it is a good idea to keep an eye out while going on a nature walk.
It is also possible to attract them to your yard with certain plants, like tomatoes, carrots, and earthworms.
Orange Ladybug Care
Caring for Orange Ladybugs requires an environment that is warm and humid, food such as aphids and plant material, and close monitoring of common health conditions.
Providing the correct housing, diet, and health care is key to successfully keeping them healthy and fruitful.
Tank Requirements
When it comes to setting up an ideal home for Halyzia sedecimguttata, the primary goal should be providing a habitat that emulates nature as closely as possible.
The best vivariums are those specifically designed for small insects such as ladybugs and should include a protective lid and good ventilation.
The ideal water pH is between 6.0 and 8.0, and hardness should be between 3 and 8 dKH.
Temperature should be maintained between 24 and 29°C, and low humidity is ideal.
As for terrarium substrate, a mixture of coco fiber soil and peat moss is recommended as it is ideal for moisture retention.
Finally, provide proper terrarium lighting for up to 12 hours a day for the most natural life cycle.
What Do Orange Ladybugs Eat?
Feeding your Orange Ladybug should be fairly straightforward. They mainly feed on nectar, pollen, and other plant-based material.
However, you may occasionally give them small bits of fruit, vegetables, and even grains.
Here are some common items you can use as treats for Halyzia sedecimguttata:
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, peaches, grapes, pears
- Vegetables: Carrots, lettuce, cabbage, celery
- Grains: Oatmeal, wheat, rice
When feeding your lady beetles, make sure to provide them with a variety of food items.
It’s also important to observe them and make sure they don’t overeat or eat potentially hazardous foods.
Additionally, you can dust their food with a small amount of calcium and multivitamin powder to keep them healthy.
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 Orange Ladybugs
Orange Ladybugs duo best with other peaceful species that live in similar habitats.
Some of the best tankmates include small Land Hermit Crabs, snails, and other non-aggressive insects like Mealworms.
These types of critters all have a similar diet and won’t cause any harm to Halyzia sedecimguttata.
What’s more, Ladybirds are naturally drawn to the presence of these animals, as they provide an efficient unit of protection against predators.
When kept together with these animals, Lady Beetles are also more likely to be more active in their enclosure and explore more.
Smaller aquatic animals like freshwater shrimp, guppies, and platyfish can also make good tankmates in paludariums.
They provide a pleasant companion for the Ladybugs, while their peaceful nature and colorful bodies add aesthetic appeal to the tank’s environment.
Conclusion
With the right knowledge and resources, caring for Halyzia sedecimguttata can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
We hope this guide has helped understand the basics of keeping these charming little creatures.
Have fun on your journey to becoming a successful Orange Lady Beetle parent!
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
No, Orange ladybugs are not venomous. Ladybugs are generally harmless to humans and are beneficial insects that help control aphid populations.
The color of a ladybug can vary, and seeing an orange ladybug typically does not hold any specific meaning beyond the fact that it belongs to a different color variation.
Ladybugs are often associated with good luck and protection, so spotting one can be seen as a positive sign or a reminder to appreciate nature’s beauty.
Orange ladybugs can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.
They prefer sunny, warm climates and often live in gardens and yards.
Orange ladybugs are attracted to food sources like aphids and other small insects.
They are also attracted to plants such as certain types of wildflowers and weeds.
Orange ladybugs may be entering your house looking for a source of food, warmth, and shelter from the colder weather. They may also be looking for a place to lay eggs.
The lifespan of orange ladybugs, like other ladybug species, can vary depending on factors such as environmental conditions and availability of food. Generally, ladybugs can live for about a year.
Orange ladybugs, like other ladybug species, can be deterred by the smell of citronella oil or citrus-based scents.
They may find these smells unpleasant and choose to avoid areas where they are present.
Yes, orange ladybugs can be considered invasive in some areas.
Their large numbers can cause damage to local crops and gardens.
Orange ladybugs can be both male and female, but males tend to be smaller.
They can be identified by examining the shape and pattern of the spots on their backs.