If you’re a fan of insect keeping and want something along the lines of a Barbie-like setup then this article might intrigue you!
Introducing the Pink Spotted Lady Beetle, an attractive and unique type of ladybug that will add some posh color to your setup.
In this Coleomegilla maculata guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to properly care for this vibrant insect.
Learn about its habitat needs, feeding habits, and potential issues to watch out for when setting up a tank.
Characteristics: | |
---|---|
Common Name | Pink Spotted Lady Beetle |
Family Name | Coccinellidae |
Scientific Name | Coleomegilla maculata |
Use | Pest Control, Pets |
Temperament | Non-aggressive |
Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
Diet | Omnivorous |
Adult Size | 5-7mm |
Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
Care Level | Easy |
Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
pH | 5.0 to 7.0 |
Hardness | Moderate |
Temperature | 71 to 78°F |
Table Of Contents:
ToggleWhat Are Pink Spotted Lady Beetles?
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles, scientifically known as Coleomegilla maculata, is a species of ladybird beetle belonging to the Coccinellidae family.
Their common name comes from the distinct pinkish tone found on their black-spotted bodies.
These beetles are found commonly in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe and parts of Asia.
They feed on different types of organic matter and thus are often referred to as “beneficial bugs” due to the services they provide to farmers and gardeners.
Create the perfect home for your beetle with our Customizable Beetle Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.
What Do Pink Spotted Lady Beetles Look Like?
Coleomegilla maculata are small beetles measuring about 5 to 7 millimeters in length.
They have a rounded body shape and are usually a pale red or pale pink with distinct black spots in the middle of their backs.
The spots are typically arranged in pairs with the hindmost pair usually the largest.
They have two dark eyes located the furthest forward and two antennae used to help navigate their surroundings.
The female has a unique shape at the end of the abdomen as opposed to the male who has a rounded end.
The females have 6 movable plates on the underside of their abdomens.
The wings of the Spotted Lady Beetles are covered by a hard wing cover to protect their soft body.
Benefits Of Using Pink Spotted Lady Beetles
Having a Pink Spotted Lady Beetle in your vivarium can add a lot of color and life to your setup.
Not only is this species of beetle visually unique and attractive with its vibrant pink armor, but it can also help keep your miniature ecosystem clean and pest-free.
Coleomegilla maculata feed on aphids and small insects, so they can help naturally control populations of unwanted pests in your vivarium.
Additionally, they are easy to look after and require fairly minimal maintenance.
Pink Spotted Lady Beetle Facts
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles are small beetles and have a pink or orange color with several black spots.
They are timid creatures that feed mostly on small insects, aphids, and mites.
Breeding takes place once per year and the female may lay up to 25 eggs in a single batch.
Habitat
Coleomegilla maculata is a species of beetle native to North America and can be found in various parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It is one of the most commonly found species of lady beetle in North America and is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive shell coloration.
They inhabit a variety of open habitats, including woodlands, agricultural fields, and even residential gardens.
C. maculata prefer to live in sunny, warm locations and can be found on weeds, trees, and other vegetation.
They often live on flowers and wild grasses, where they feed on small plants and animals.
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
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles feed on a variety of different insects and plants in their natural environments.
This includes aphids, mites, caterpillars, leafhoppers, and mealybugs.
They may also feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.
This wide variety of food gives the beetle a sustainable and healthy diet.
In the wild, Coleomegilla maculata also likes to supplement its diet with decaying plant matter.
This is a great source of nutrition for them, containing essential minerals and nutrients.
Temperament
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles are generally calm and docile insects that don’t display any aggression towards humans or other animals.
This makes them a great choice for households with children and pets.
They tend to avoid direct contact with humans and prefer to stay hidden away in their enclosures during the day.
They also typically shy away from other animals such as cats, dogs, and rodents.
However, they can still make great companions when safely handled and cared for.
These beetles are active during the evening and nighttime hours, so if you plan on having them as pets, expect most activity to take place in the dark.
When handling them, it’s best to avoid scaring them or subjecting them to high temperatures; they should feel comfortable and safe.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Coleomegilla maculata can vary depending on environmental conditions, but it typically lives up to a year or two.
These beetles spend the winter as adults, hibernating in sheltered areas such as leaf litter or under stones.
When the weather starts to warm in the spring they become active again and feed on small insects they run across.
From the adult beetles, the eggs are laid in clusters on the leaves of host plants, hatching in two to four weeks.
The larvae then go through three instars before pupating.
Generally, the pupae will remain for two to three weeks before emerging as adult beetles.
Breeding
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles mate in the spring, with males pursuing females to start the process.
Courtship typically lasts a few hours, during which time the male will make contact with the female, bite her wings, and mate with her.
After mating, females will lay between 25 and 40 eggs in tight clusters on the underside of leaves.
Eggs should hatch within 5 to seven days, after which the larvae will feed on nearby prey.
Depending on the temperature, it will usually take two or three weeks for the larvae to reach adulthood and become capable of reproducing.
Once adults, the beetles will continue to reproduce in the same cycle.
Where To Find Pink Spotted Lady Beetles
Finding Coleomegilla maculata in the wild is fairly easy, as they are quite common in the Northern US and parts of Canada.
They can typically be found on flowers and other plants, often in sunny areas.
In the spring and summer, they will often be found in large numbers, but in the winter they tend to be less numerous.
If you cannot find wild Pink Spotted Lady Beetles, you can also purchase them from various reputable online stores.
They are relatively inexpensive and can be shipped straight to your home.
You may even be able to find them locally at stores that sell pet supplies or live insects.
Pink Spotted Lady Beetle Care
To properly care for Coleomegilla maculata, you must create a habitat that meets their climate requirements.
Start by providing them with a variety of food sources, keep a careful eye for potential problems, and breed and reproduce responsibly.
Tank Requirements
You will want to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.
The ideal tank for your Pink Spotted Lady Beetle should be large enough to accommodate their active lifestyle.
They should have plenty of hiding places and spaces to explore.
The vivarium should be a terrarium or paludarium with a lid.
The terrarium substrate should be composed of forest bark, peat moss, and other natural materials.
A small water dish should also be provided for them to drink and bathe, however, chlorine-free water should be used.
The tank should be kept at an ideal temperature of 22-24°C, with humidity levels around 60-70%.
The water pH should be slightly acidic at 5-7 and the water hardness should be between 5 and 10 dGH.
Adequate terrarium lighting should also be provided.
What Do Pink Spotted Lady Beetles Eat?
Feeding your Coleomegilla maculata is an essential part of caring for this species.
The beetles generally feed on aphids, pollen, and other small insects in the wild.
It’s best to provide them with a variety of food options in captivity so they can thrive.
Here are some things you can feed your Pink Spotted Lady Beetles:
- Small live insects such as fruit flies, gnats, and mealworms
- Small pieces of fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, or grapes
- Small bits of cooked vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, peas, and lettuce
- Small spiders
- Nectar
Be sure to only feed them appropriately sized pieces of food and monitor the beetles’ food intake.
Make sure the food items are free of pesticides and other contaminants.
Additionally, you should provide them with fresh water daily.
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 Pink Spotted Lady Beetles
When keeping Pink Spotted Lady Beetles, it’s good to think about finding the right tank mates.
The best tankmates for these beetles should also be beneficial to them and provide them with extra resources to thrive.
Some great tankmates for Coleomegilla maculata include other ladybugs, lacewings, and isopods.
All of these species help keep the environment predation-free and provide different food sources for the beetle.
In addition to the above species, Spotted Lady Beetles can live happily alongside certain species of aquatic bugs such as water beetles, water boatmen, backswimmers, and caddisflies.
These species help to keep the paludarium water clean and provide additional food resources for the beetle.
It is good practice to research the specific requirements of these tankmates before housing them together to ensure they have everything they need to live comfortably.
Conclusion
Caring for Coleomegilla maculata can be a rewarding experience.
With the right setup and dedication, you can provide them with a comfortable home and watch as they interact with their environment.
Not only is it an educational experience for all involved, but it is also a great opportunity to observe this interesting species in its natural habitat.
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, pink spotted lady beetles (Coleomegilla maculata) are not harmful. They are a beneficial insect that help control pests in gardens and on agricultural crops.
No, pink ladybugs (Coleomegilla maculata) are not rare.
They are commonly found throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico, but are especially common in the Midwest and eastern United States.