Welcome to your guide to caring for the Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle.
This unique and beautiful ladybug species is found natively in North America and makes an interesting and entertaining pet to domesticate.
In this Psyllobora vigintimaculata guide, we’ll go over all the details you’ll need to learn to ensure you provide them with the best possible care – from their ideal habitat to their feeding requirements.
Let’s get started!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Psyllobora vigintimaculata |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 3–4 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 60-80°F |
What Are Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles?
Scientifically known as Psyllobora vigintimaculata, is a species of beetle belonging to the Coccinellidae family.
Commonly known as the 20-spot Lady Beetle or 20-spotted Lady Beetle, this species is easily recognizable, as its name suggests, by its twenty spots patterned on its back.
Native to North America, this beetle species is a rewarding predator companion to have around.
Create the perfect home for your beetle with our Customizable Beetle Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.
What Do Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles Look Like?
Psyllobora vigintimaculata is a small insect, measuring around 3-4 mm in length when mature.
They have a bright tan or yellow-orange hard shell, with 20 muddled spots on their back, which is what gives them their name.
They also have 6 short legs, each with three small claws, and two corresponding antennae that are about as long as their body.
Their head is rounded and pointed in shape, with prominent compound eyes.
Their wings are covered with fine hairs, providing them with excellent aerodynamic capabilities.
Benefits Of Using Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles
Using Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles in vivariums provides a range of interesting benefits.
Not only do these beetles add vibrant color and movement to any enclosure, but their presence is also beneficial to the overall sustainability of the miniature ecosystem.
They act as beneficial decomposers, helping to break down uneaten food, waste build-up, and decaying material – all of which help to maintain a balanced and healthy tank.
As they move around the terrarium substrate, they help the soil to aerate, which can help maintain healthy microfauna.
Psyllobora vigintimaculata can also help to provide food for other, larger terrarium inhabitants as they are small and are consumed by some reptilian and amphibian species.
All-in-all, adding Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles to your vivarium can make for an interesting and sustainable ecosystem!
Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle Facts
Psyllobora vigintimaculata is a species of beetle found natively in North America.
These small beetles range in length from a few short millimeters in size and have a life expectancy of around a few years.
They’re omnivorous in their natural habitat, and they have a gentle demeanor, making them suitable domestic pets.
With the right combination of temperature and humidity, they can breed and reproduce in captivity as well.
Habitat
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle can be found in various environments such as gardens, meadows, fields, and woodlands.
They are attracted to flowers and small insects that can serve as a source of food.
Their natural habitat offers plenty of moisture and plenty of prey so they can thrive and reproduce.
They are mainly solitary beetles, but they will congregate in groups when faced with food shortages.
This habit enables them to survive in environments with limited resources.
When food becomes available, they will naturally go their separate ways.
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, Psyllobora vigintimaculata can be found eating a variety of food sources.
They are primarily carnivorous and feed on other small insects, mainly aphids.
They will also eat other soft-bodied insects like mites, caterpillars, and leaf hoppers.
They can also feed on ripe fruits and vegetables, and they have even been known to scavenge on small potatoes.
These omnivorous diet habits can give them greater energy and nutrition than solely carnivorous species.
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle is especially important in the wild as they help to keep populations of soft-bodied pests, such as aphids, under control.
Temperament
Psyllobora vigintimaculata is a peaceful and gentle species of beetle.
They are non-aggressive and do not bite or sting humans or other animals.
This species of beetle is quite calm and docile when around humans or other animals in its environment.
As long as they are provided with a comfortable space and surrounded by gentle companions, the Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle will be quite content.
They can also be kept in small groups with plenty of room for exploration and socializing with other ladybugs.
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle is also not overly active or energetic.
They prefer to stay in one area, exploring their environment in search of food.
They may occasionally wander away from their habitat in search of food but are generally quite content to be in one spot.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Psyllobora vigintimaculata can range from one to two years.
This species of beetle usually lives at its longest during summer when temperatures are at their highest.
The annual life cycle of these beetles generally consists of four developmental stages, starting from egg to larva, pupa, and finally adult.
Most female Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles typically overwinter as adult beetles and are the first adults observed in the springtime.
After these adults emerge from their winter dormancy, they start to seek a mate and lay their eggs in the stem of a lantana or other herb of their choice.
From there, the eggs hatch and reach the larval stage within a week.
Larvae will feed and molt through five instars within two weeks before transforming into pupae.
Finally, they will molt once again to become an adult beetle and finish the cycle.
Breeding
Mating and reproduction of Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles take place in the springtime.
After a period of courtship, the female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves or in soil near food sources.
The eggs are white and can be up to 1mm in size.
These beetles have a long life span but they will only breed for a short period each season, so proper care is important in keeping them healthy and producing.
The appropriate temperature and humidity levels should be closely monitored, and appropriate food sources will need to be provided for both the larvae and adult beetles.
Where To Find Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles
Finding Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles in the wild is a task as these beetles are quite rare.
They are found predominantly in North America on the coastal areas of the continent.
They can be seen in forested and wooded areas in this region, particularly in humid and cool environments.
Psyllobora vigintimaculata can also be found in pet shops or online pet stores that specialize in exotic insect species.
It is good to ensure that the pet shop you purchase them from is a legitimate source and monitors the health of their stock to a high standard.
Before buying, always ask questions about the beetle’s origins, care, and history.
Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle Care
Psyllobora vigintimaculata should be housed in an environment that is warm, humid, and well-ventilated.
Feed the beetles with protein-rich foods such as small insects.
Make sure their habitat remains clean and free of debris, and replicate the natural environment by replicating the day/night cycle with terrarium lightning.
They should also be kept in groups of two or more beetles to ensure they can properly socialize and reproduce if desired.
Tank Requirements
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle is a hardy species that remains active when kept in conditions similar to its natural habitat.
For the best vivarium type, a 5 to 10-gallon terrarium with a screened lid to prevent the beetle from climbing out is the ideal choice.
The ideal temperature range should be between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water should require a pH of 6.5-8.0 and a hardness range of 4-15 dGH.
A substrate that is low in nutrients, such as coco fiber soil or peat moss, is best for this species.
Lastly, for lighting, set up a fluorescent light 14-18 inches away from the tank with an 8 – 12 hour photoperiod.
What Do Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles Eat?
When it comes to feeding your Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle, there are several options you can choose from.
These animals feed primarily on small bugs, so it is helpful to provide them with a varied diet of protein sources.
Some great food sources include small live insects such as aphids, grubs, and flies, as well as mealworms and other commercially available edible insects.
Moreover, you can also give them a variety of plant-based diets such as fresh vegetables, soft fruits, and powdered wheat germ.
It is essential to note that Psyllobora vigintimaculata also requires a water source such as a shallow bowl of water or a damp sponge to ensure they stay hydrated.
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 Twenty-spotted Lady Beetles
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle is a solitary species, meaning it doesn’t typically do well when kept with other types of insects or animals.
Because of this, it’s best to keep them in their terrarium to minimize stress and ensure the beetle remains comfortable.
That said, some more docile species can be kept with Psyllobora vigintimaculata in a shared environment.
Some of the best tankmates for these beetles include fruit flies, waxworms, and mealworms.
All of these species enjoy similar humidity levels and temperatures as the ladybug, so they can peacefully coexist in an enclosure.
They are also beneficial to the beetle as a low-maintenance snack, as the fruit flies and wax worms provide a source of protein.
In addition to other insects, similar beetles such as the American Paint Beetle and whirligig beetle can also be kept with the Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle.
Conclusion
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle, Psyllobora vigintimaculata, is an interesting species to keep as a pet.
With the right knowledge and care, you can create a safe and comfortable living environment for them.
As long as you provide the correct environment, the right food, and the proper care, you will have a healthy beetle in your home.
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
The Psyllobora vigintimaculata, commonly known as the twenty-spotted ladybug, is a species of ladybug that typically displays twenty distinct spots on its elytra (wing covers).