Not all ladybugs have spots, in fact, some don’t have spots at all! Paranaemia vittigera is a species of lady beetle that has stripes instead of spots.
These vibrant-looking bugs are native to North America and have distinctive striped markings in both red and black on their outer shell.
If you’re looking to add some of these lovely bugs to your tank or garden, read on for our helpful guide on caring for this type of ladybug.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Striped Ladybugs |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Paranaemia vittigera |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 year |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 4.5-6.6 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 70-80°F |
What Are Striped Ladybugs?
Paranaemia vittigera is a species of beetle belonging to the family Coccinellidae.
They originated in North America and are native to North America and Canada.
These colorful bugs have black stripes on their back which give them their common name of Striped Ladybug.
P. vittigera are omnivorous, meaning that they feed on both plant and animal material.
They are also known to be beneficial predatory insects, as they feed on other pests and eat the eggs of certain species.
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What Do Striped Ladybugs Look Like?
Striped Ladybugs are small bugs, growing to around 4.5 to 6.6 mm in length.
They are yellow, orange, or red and have black-banded stripes wrapping their outer shell, giving them the distinctive stripes they are known for.
Attached to the back of the shell are the beetle’s wings, which help it move faster than other beetles.
The wings are divided between the forewings and the hindwings, and both are kept hidden when not in use.
The beetle’s legs are in pairs with two toward the front of its body and four toward the back.
They also have antennae on the top of their head which help them sense their surroundings.
Benefits Of Using Striped Ladybugs
Striped Ladybugs are a great addition to any vivarium, especially for those who want the convenience of having an attractive and low-maintenance bug in their environment.
These ladybugs do not need to be fed on a regular schedule because they are scavengers and will feed on insect debris or other small feeder insects.
Striped Ladybugs also don’t usually require any additional hydration as they are capable of extracting moisture from the air and their food sources.
Breeding these bugs does not require any special conditions and is relatively simple.
Lastly, Striped Ladybugs don’t take up much space in the vivarium and can be great additions to environments from tropical to desert climates.
All these benefits make Striped Ladybugs a great companion to any vivarium.
Striped Ladybug Facts
Paranaemia vittigera is a colorfully striped ladybug native to North America.
They live in hot, humid environments and feed primarily on small insects and fruits.
Striped Ladybugs are known to have peaceful and docile temperaments and have a lifespan of up to a year.
They mate in the spring and females lay up to 100 eggs at once.
Habitat
The Striped Ladybug has been found in Florida, California, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
In the wild, Paranaemia vittigera is typically found along river banks and streams, often where there are abundant plants and shrubs.
The Striped Lady Beetle is relatively small, measuring only 4.5 to 6.6 millimeters in length, and has a vibrant coloration of red, yellow, or orange on its outer shell.
They also have distinctive dark stripes running lengthwise across their backs.
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Diet
In the wild, Striped Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
Being opportunistic feeders, they will also consume both live and decaying plant matter, pollen, as well as nectar from nearby flowers.
On occasion, it’s not uncommon to also find them eating decaying insects including other dead ladybugs of the same species.
Temperament
Paranaemia vittigera can make great pets for those who enjoy the natural beauty and behavior of an insect.
Generally, Striped Ladybugs are calm and non-aggressive, so they will not cause any issues if handled with care.
They are also less likely than most insects to bite humans or traditional pets if they feel threatened.
In terms of their environment, P. vittigera gets along best with other insects of the same species and can live peacefully in the same habitat with other small animals.
They also prefer to be in higher spaces in their enclosure, such as perched from the sides of the terrarium.
Overall, Striped Lady Beetles have a relatively shy temperament, so it’s good to provide them with a secure enclosure and handle them with great care.
Lifespan
On average, Paranaemia vittigera has a lifespan of 6-12 months.
Hobbyists should be aware of the fact that a Striped Ladybug will go through four stages of development from egg to adulthood, thus forming their life cycle.
The female Striped Ladybug will begin reproduction once they have reached their adult stage in the life cycle.
She will then lay eggs in a protected area where they can remain safe.
The eggs themselves are typically yellow and will hatch within 10-14 days.
Upon hatching, the Striped Ladybird will remain in its pupal form for around five to seven days before finally emerging as an adult.
During their adult stage, ladybugs will feed on plant nectar and pollen, thus fostering a beneficial relationship with local gardens and crops.
Breeding
Paranaemia vittigera mate with the opposite sex and then reproductive cells are exchanged.
It is essential to understand the temperature requirements for successful reproduction.
It is best to keep the habitat at a warm temperature of around 28–30 degrees Celsius (around 82–86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Temperature can have a major impact on the Striped Ladybug’s reproduction process, so it is vital to keep the habitat regulated.
It is best to quickly clean up any uneaten food and remove any old substrate or soft materials from the habitat, to ensure a hygienic environment for the ladybugs to reproduce.
Where To Find Striped Ladybugs
If you’re hoping to find a wild Paranaemia vittigera for your collection, your best bet is to look for them during the warmer months of the Summer and early Autumn.
Striped Ladybugs are usually found during the day, and their favorite habitats include fields, meadows, gardens, and forest edges.
If you happen to find these ladybugs in the wild, remember to never pick them up with your bare hands.
If you’re looking to purchase a Striped Lady Beetle for your home, your best bet is to find a reputable dealer online.
Most dealers who offer P. vittigera will also provide information about the quality and age of their specimens, so make sure you purchase from a reliable source with a good reputation.
When you receive your Striped Ladybugs, they will likely be housed in a plastic terrarium.
Make sure to take extra care when transferring your bug to its new home to ensure that it has a safe and comfortable environment.
Striped Ladybug Care
Caring for Paranaemia vittigera requires providing them with the proper environment, food, and breeding conditions.
They will need appropriate lighting, temperature, substrate, and humidity settings, as well as occasional feedings of small insects.
With the right conditions, these bugs can be big rewards and provide an interesting addition to the home.
Tank Requirements
The ideal tank for Striped Ladybugs will need to be kept at around 70-80°F and the humidity levels should remain between 65-75%, so using a tank with a humidifier is highly recommended.
The substrate in the tank should preferably be coco fiber soil or multi-purpose compost, around 4” deep for the substrate is ideal for Paranaemia vittigera.
As for lighting, it’s recommended the tank be kept away from direct sunlight and artificial lights of any kind should be avoided as well.
Additionally, a substrate with a pH of 6.5-7.5 is best for Striped Ladybugs, and a hardness of 3-10 KH is also recommended.
What Do Striped Ladybugs Eat?
Feeding Paranaemia vittigera is relatively straightforward.
Striped Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids and other small insects or larvae.
You can supplement their diet by offering them an array of dried bugs, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches.
They can also feed on young fruit flies or even small pieces of crushed fruits and vegetables.
You should also provide them with clean, filtered drinking water.
When providing food for P. vittigera, always err on the side of caution and practice proper insect safety.
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 Striped Ladybugs
Striped Ladybugs can easily coexist with other species when kept under the right conditions.
Insects like pill bugs and millipedes are great tankmates since they produce similar nutrient-rich waste, as well as provide additional shelter and humidity.
Another popular option is other species of ladybugs, such as the Seven-Spotted Ladybug or the Two-Spotted Ladybug.
In terms of animals from other phyla, sticking with small invertebrates is your best bet.
A paludarium containing snails, small frogs, or aquatic salamanders is perfect for Paranaemia vittigera since all of these animals live in somewhat similar habitats.
While not every tank will be suitable for all types of animals, mixing species that require a similar environment can work out great!
Whether you opt for a varied or specialized tank, ensure that all animals have ample space to swim, hide, and explore.
Conclusion
Caring for a Striped Ladybug can be a rewarding experience and can bring lots of joy and beauty into your home.
As long as you meet their needs for light, temperature, humidity, and food, you will be sure to have happy and healthy bugs.
With some patience and dedication, Paranaemia vittigera will brighten up any space with their lively colors and behaviors.
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
Striped ladybugs (Paranaemia vittigera) live in areas of Western North America, ranging from western Kansas to the Pacific Coast.
Striped ladybugs (Paranaemia vittigera) are not considered harmful to plants.
In fact, they are often considered beneficial as they primarily feed on aphids and other small insects that can damage plants.
No, striped ladybugs (Paranaemia vittigera) are not known to be poisonous.
They do not possess toxic substances or pose any significant threat to humans or animals.