Orange ladybugs are now common in the US. They are often compared to red ladybugs. Many orange ladybugs in the US are not native to North America.
Species such as the Asian Lady Beetle are known to have an Asian origin. However, their orange coloring is sometimes associated with a spiritual meaning.
Furthermore, these species are also known to bite, which means they aren’t as friendly as red ladybugs.
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Types of Orange Ladybugs
The following types of orange ladybugs are found in the US.
1. Asian Lady Beetle
The Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is the most common orange ladybug in the US. It has a widespread distribution from Florida to Ohio.
This bug has different colors and different orange coloring. Its common orange version is can be plain orange, orange with black spots, or orange with red spots.
It can be further differentiated from ladybugs through an M-shaped marking on the head.
The species is known to attack many types of bugs. Some people even believe it attacks ladybugs.
Originating in Southeast Asia, the Asian Lady Beetle has been introduced to North America to control aphids and mites among other invasive species.
2. Seven-spotted Lady Beetle
The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) is mostly known for its red body with black dots. But it’s also seen in orange color with 7 black spots.
The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle can also be read in adulthood and orange as a nymph.
This species is seen as beneficial to gardens. It has been introduced to the US and it has spread to almost all states since then.
Bugs of the species are known to consume aphids. This is beneficial as aphids suck out the juices of plants and flowers essentially invading and killing vegetation around the house.
3. Convergent Lady Beetle
Convergent Lady Beetles (Hippodamia convergens) are red or orange bugs that resemble ladybugs. They have a small black head and 12 black spots on the back.
The species can further be identified with its orange color during its mating process. These bugs are also known for laying orange eggs.
These bugs are known predators and they begin their predatory lifestyle as soon as they are born.
Known for eating other bugs, young Convergent Lady Beetles might also eat the unhatched eggs they find as soon as they emerge.
The species is used for biological control as it’s seen to have a positive role in controlling aphids that infest potato or corn crops around the country,
Convergent Lady Beetle is also tested on citrus crops in states such as Florida against common invaders.
4. Polished Lady Beetle
This species (Cycloneda munda) is also found in many colors but it’s common to see its red and orange colors.
One of the distinct traits of this lady beetle species is the fact that it has no spots. Its orange color is plain, without any black spots.
This is important as there are only a few species of Lady Beetle without any marks and plain coloring in the country.
5. California Lady Beetle
As their name suggests, these bugs (Coccinella californica) are common in California. They are mostly seen in red coloring but they’re also found in plain orange coloring.
The pronotum of the species is black as is the small head.
Bugs of this species are mainly found along the coast.
6. Western Polished Lady Beetle
As the California Lady Beetle , the Western Polished Lady Beetle (Cycloneda polita) is also known to come in red or orange colors.
Its red coloring is intense but its orange coloring is described as faded.
7. Squash Lady Beetle
The Squash Lady Beetle (Epilachna borealis) is identified by its orange and black coloring. It has an orange body with black spots.
Unlike other orange ladybugs, it also has an orange head.
This species is reported in Eastern US states. It’s commonly found around cucurbits which include squash, melon, and cucumbers.
8. Variegated Lady Beetle
This bug (Hippodamia variegata) has an orange-red coloring with a varying number of black spots.
It has a black thorax and a blackhead.
This bug isn’t native to North America either. It has been introduced to control aphid populations.
It’s found in herbaceous dry or sandy soils.
9. Parenthesis Lady Beetle
This (Hippodamia parenthesis) is a native species common in the US and Canada.
It’s identified by a yellow-orange color with black marks on the elytra.
Like other ladybugs, the Parenthesis Lady Beetle is known to eat aphids and other small insects.
10. Mexican Bean Beetle
These bugs (Epilachna varivestis) range in coloring from pale yellow to orange. They are known to grow up to 7mm exhibiting an orange body and an orange head. Black marks on its body are common.
The species is found in multiple states West of the Rocky Mountains.
These bugs don’t eat other insects as they prefer to eat plants and flowers, particularly of beans and other vegetables.
11. Nine-spotted Lady Beetle
This species (Coccinella novemnotata) has nine black spots as its name implies. It has a yellow-orange color or a pale orange color.
Common around the US, the species is also seen in Southern Canada.
It feeds on aphids as well as on nectar.
12. American Five-spotted Lady Beetle
This species (Hippodamia quinquesignata) is said to have five spots but it can have a variable number of spots or even black lines across its elytra.
Bugs of this species are known to be red-orange. They are widespread in the US but most common along the Pacific Coast.
The diet of the American Five-spotted Lady Beetle is comprised of aphids and other insects it finds in fields and prairies.
Common in Western parts of the country, these bugs have been shown to mate and then retreat to overwinter.
Unlike many other ladybugs, the American Five-spotted Lady Beetle likes to overwinter at high elevations.
It retreats to high and exposed mountain slopes without much vegetation. It overwinters here in exposed slopes.
Alternatively, these bugs like to hibernate at the base of various trees such as Juniper trees.
13. Spotted Lady Beetle
These bugs (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata) are either orange or red. They are the bugs with some of the most spots and marks on their bodies.
As their name implies, these bugs have 13 black spots which can sometimes be dark brown.
They are common in the US and on all other Northern Hemisphere continents. The species exclusively feeds on aphids.
Orange Lady Spiritual Meaning
Orange ladybugs have a different type of association and representation from a spiritual perspective than the red ladybugs.
Orange is a type of revitalizing color that’s different from yellow as it’s joyful. These bugs are often associated with joy as well as with other traits.
Multiple traits have been attributed to the orange ladybug across the world.
Joyous warmth
The first symbolism of orange is warmth. This type of warmth is often seen in the summer when these bugs are associated with the Sun in the evening when it feels most colors.
The warmth of orange is different from the warmth of yellow as its joyful. This is why these orange bugs are often joyfully seen.
Ladybugs, in general, are some of the rare bugs that people don’t back away from due to their friendly look.
The orange color these bugs come in is seen as friendly and specifically happy.
Summer character
These bugs are highly active during the summer and their orange color is often associated with the happy long days of summer.
Some people believe these happy feelings associated with the bugs also come from their positive role.
Many pest controllers don’t recommend killing or removing ladybugs from the garden as they eat other insects which means they have a positive role in nature.
Creativity
Feelings of creativity are uniquely tied to the orange ladybug such as the Asian Lady Beetle. Creativity is a trait rarely associated with bugs but there’s an exception here.
This creative side is a part of the symbolism also related to summer, which is the time people are also very active.
Vitality
Vitality is also tied to orange ladybugs to the extent to which is tied with red ladybugs. It’s these bugs as a genus that are tied to youth.
Young energy is always tied to vitality and it’s considered a good trait of those who want to feed invigorated themselves.
Fertility
Ladybugs are tied to cues of fertility in some cultures around the world. Some people believe a woman will get pregnant whenever she sees a ladybug so the feelings of joy accompany this unique symbolism.
Health
A symbolism of health is difficult to tie to other bug species. Orange ladybugs are rarely seen dead which means these bugs that fly in gardens and on crops are often associated with good health.
Good luck
Most orange ladybugs are seen as lucky charms. They bring good luck to those who see them.
From a rare symbolism perspective, even seeing dead orange ladybugs isn’t considered bad luck. It’s considered an opportunity to meditate about the life of an individual as a cycle ends.
Is being orange an advantage for ladybugs?
The orange coloring is a result of the diversification and possible evolutionary traits in ladybugs. Just as they have other colors they come in orange.
However, some theories argue being orange is an advantage over being another color. Orange gives off the impression of high toxicity to possible predators.
This is why a large number of predators such as birds move on whenever they see a vividly colored orange bug as they believe these are highly poisonous.
Other theories mention the idea of the orange coloring being congruent with age. The younger the orange ladybug is the more vivid the color is. Older ladybugs are believed to have a slightly faded orange color.
Do Orange Ladybugs Bite?
Orange ladybugs can bite. However, this bite isn’t serious to humans as they cannot pierce the skin.
They can bite if handled as they rarely bite by landing on people. These bites aren’t followed by pain.
Local pain is felt in rare cases. These bites might also mean the bug attaches itself to the skin for a moment before being brushed off.
These bugs aren’t venomous or poisonous to people.
Studies show that even sick ladybugs suffering from infections cannot transmit these infections to humans.
On the other hand, ladybugs might transmit or trigger certain allergies. Being in contact with dead bugs and other types of materials and bacteria means these bugs can carry multiple types of germs.
Some of these germs can trigger certain allergic reactions. Such cases are rare.
Are Orange Ladybugs Poisonous?
Orange ladybugs aren’t poisonous. They don’t need poison as many of them consume aphids and types of vegetables.
Some people mistakenly believe these bugs can be poisonous as rare bites are often described in levels of pain as similar to a needle sting.
In reality, these bugs don’t sting as they bite. But even these cases are rare and not characterized by poison.
What Do Orange Ladybugs Eat?
Orange ladybugs such as the Asian lady beetles are different from standard ladybugs in diet and aggression levels.
These orange bugs might sometimes bite and they are known, as predators.
There was a campaign to bring them into the country. In the ‘60s, the US Government decided to bring large quantities of Asian lady beetle to the country in an attempt to control insects affecting apple crops and other crops.
Over the decades these bugs did their job.
The Asian lady beetle was released in states such as California in large amounts. It multiplied quickly and it shortly took over the entire country.
The Asian lady beetle the government brought in the US came from Japan, Korea, and China, among other Asian countries.
By far, orange ladybugs are known to eat aphids. These are small insects that invade various types of crops such as cotton crops where they can cause significant economic damage.
Where to find orange ladybugs
Orange ladybugs such as those in the Asian lady beetle can be found in all continental US states.
Texas is one of the states that gets the most reports in terms of seeing orange ladybugs. It’s closely followed by California.
Bugs of these types are also found in high numbers in Vermont and New York. They’re also present to a lesser extent in other states.
Are Orange ladybugs good?
Orange ladybugs are beneficial for agriculture. Their role is impressive to the extent the US Government decided to import them for better aphid control.
Used for pest control
The main reason orange ladybugs are beneficial is their role in clearing aphids from large areas. These bugs are known to be very efficient at killing aphids and they are also known for having adapted properly.
Orange ladybugs of various species are found in all US states. The extent to which they control aphids is unknown. However, they are seen as beneficial bugs.
A nuisance pest in the house
Orange ladybugs can get inside the house, especially through open doors and open windows. They are seen as a nuisance pest in the home as they don’t have any real reason to stay inside if they can’t find aphids.
These bugs still get inside the house out of curiosity. They can also seek shelter in cold weather, like many other types of flying bugs.
Orange ladybugs emit an unpleasant odor
One of the reasons why these bugs could be seen as not beneficial is their unpleasant odor and yellow substance they live on clothes as soon as they land on people.
However, this substance isn’t dangerous to people. It has no effect even when released on the skin.
The yellow substance these bugs release on clothes can be washed out easily.
Are Orange Ladybugs dangerous to pets?
Unfortunately, orange ladybugs can be harmful to pets, especially to dogs who might eat a large quantity of these bugs.
The yellow liquid these bugs release is mostly found inside the mouth of dogs and cats who might think of them as food.
While eating a single orange ladybug is not problematic, some reports show that dogs eating more bugs at a time suffer from chemical burns in their digestive system.
Dogs can also die from eating too many orange ladybugs. This is why dogs should not be allowed in areas of the house where these bugs have invaded as they might consider eating a lot of them.
How do prevent orange ladybugs from entering the house?
Keeping these bugs out is the best method of dealing with them. It might take a considerable effort to seal off all the entry points since these bugs can be as small as 3mm. Sealing all entry points is crucial.
Seal air vents
Air vents are ideal for these small bugs to travel with the draft. It’s best to seal off air vents at the end of the summer when they aren’t needed to the same extent.
Air conditioning can also be an area where these bugs can make their way into the house but in smaller numbers.
Seal cracks
Sealing all cracks in walls and around windows or doors is important. All small cracks need to be filled so that these bugs don’t make it indoors, especially attracted to light at night.
Install bug screens
Bug screens on doors and windows are a good investment when it comes to keeping bugs as small as orange ladybugs out. These can be used throughout the year as they block all types of insects from entering the house.
Use a vacuum cleaner
If they manage to get indoors it’s best to look for simple methods of getting them out. Using bug spray isn’t recommended as dead bugs might still be eaten by dogs.
A powerful vacuum cleaner is going to remove all orange ladybugs. They can be released out of the dust bag at a safe distance from the house.
Don’t use insecticides
Insecticides aren’t recommended against orange ladybugs. While they can be effective, they need to be sprayed directly on these bugs.
All orange ladybugs are small and trying to spray them with insecticide can prove a difficult task. This is why it’s best to try physically removing them with a vacuum cleaner.
Don’t use traps
Traps aren’t recommended against orange ladybugs either. These traps are known to attract these bugs even more.
Most pest control professionals don’t recommend using any types of traps against orange ladybugs as these are nuisance pests.
Don’t remove them by hand
It’s not recommended to remove orange ladybugs by hand since they may occasionally bite. These bites aren’t very painful, but they can be unpleasant.
While rare, infections and allergic reactions can be triggered by a bite from these bugs. Using gloves to handle them isn’t recommended either as they’re very small.
Removing them using vacuum cleaners might be the only real option for most homes with these bugs.
Whenever they make it indoors in large numbers it’s best to leave doors and windows open to allow them to escape outdoors while trying to vacuum them.
Summary
Orange ladybugs incorporate a wide range of bugs such as the Asian lady beetle and the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle.
These are different types of ladybugs that can be aggressive. They might even bite but without inflicting any real pain or health concerns for most people.
These bugs are common in the US. Orange ladybugs are seen in all continental states, especially in Texas and California.
Most of them eat insects such as aphids. They are seen as beneficial and nuisance pests as they aren’t specifically damaging whenever they enter homes.
Orange ladybugs have higher levels of aggression, not specific to native species such as the Nine-spotted lady beetle which is known for its friendly nature.
Orange ladybugs have historic and spiritual significance as they are connected to feelings of summer, high energy, vitality, and fertility. They aren’t killed in many countries they are native in as a result.
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