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Why the Adalia bipunctata ladybug?
Adalia bipunctata is found throughout Europe. Highly voracious, it feeds on numerous aphid species. It is harmless to health, biodiversity and the environment. It can be used in organic farming (AB) and is compatible with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Adalia bipunctata larvae
- Versatility: consume many aphid species
- High voracity: up to 600 aphids consumed per larva over its entire cycle
- They don’t fly, so they stay where you put them. Ideal for localized treatment.
Adults Adalia bipunctata
- Versatility: consume many aphid species
- High voracity: up to 100 aphids per adult per day
- Wide-ranging action: highly mobile, they actively seek out aphid outbreaks over large areas.
- Egg-laying: long-term natural regeneration
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Your questions
What does Adalia bipunctata mean?
Literally, this translates as "two-spotted ladybird" (from the Latin bi-punctata). This is the reference name used by biologists around the world to designate this crop auxiliary.
Although nature offers surprising color variations within the same species, for example, some specimens are melanistic (black with red spots), the name bipunctata remains the scientific constant. This marking, like the color of its wings, is a hereditary trait and not an indicator of longevity. It is precisely this species that we breed for its legendary voracity against aphids.
Is the ladybug Adalia bipunctata a local species?
Absolutely. It is native to our continent and is one of the 250 species of ladybug found in Europe. Using Adalia means promoting local biodiversity without introducing imbalance, unlike the use of exotic species which can become invasive. To find out more about its ecological role, visit our page resources.
Is the Adalia bipunctata ladybug threatened by the invasive Harmonia axyridis Asian ladybug?
Yes, the pressure is real. The Asian ladybug is larger, reproduces faster and competes directly for food. It even eats the eggs and larvae of our local species.
By reintroducing Adalia, you are actively supporting the resilience of our native ecosystems in the face of this invasive threat.
Can biological control with ladybugs cause ecological imbalance?
This risk is non-existent with Adalia bipunctata. As this is a local species, releases only temporarily reinforce a population that is already naturally present.
What's more, the population is self-regulating: as soon as the food source (aphids) diminishes, the reproduction cycle naturally slows down.
What is the life cycle of the ladybug Adalia bipunctata in the wild?
The cycle begins in spring, when the adults emerge from overwintering. This is followed by a phase of active reproduction and the laying of clusters of orangey-yellow eggs under the leaves.
In 3 to 5 days, the larvae (the most voracious stage) emerge and hunt intensively for 10 to 15 days. After an immobile pupation phase (5 to 8 days), a new adult emerges.
This complete cycle can be repeated several times during the season, until autumn when the adults seek refuge in bark or cracks to overwinter.
Does a year with lots of ladybugs mean that there will be lots of ladybugs again the following year?
Not necessarily. Population dynamics depend on two key factors: the availability of aphids (prey) and winter weather conditions. A winter that is too wet, or a sudden drop in aphid colonies at the end of the season, can limit the number of surviving adults for the following year.
Is it more effective to release ladybug Adalia bipunctata larvae or adults to control aphids?
Each stage has its own purpose.
Larvae are the "cleaners" par excellence: wingless, they remain confined to the plant where they are deposited and devour aphids relentlessly.
Adults are invaluable for dispersal over large areas and for establishing lasting control via egg-laying. For severe infestation, the combination of the two stages offers rapid, local action (larvae) and prolonged action (adults). You can find both solutions on our product boutique.
Can ladybugs be released before aphids appear (preventive control)?
Purely preventive control is not recommended with ladybugs. They are active predators and need live prey to survive. Without aphids, the larvae will quickly starve to death and the adults will fly off to other gardens in search of food. Visit our resources to help you plan your release.
Should ants be prevented from climbing on the plant before release?
This is a crucial stage. Ants protect aphids for their honeydew and act as veritable bodyguards, often attacking and killing ladybug larvae.
We strongly recommend installing physical barriers such as glue tape to isolate the aphid colony from the ants before introducing the beneficials.
Why do aphids often attack the same plants?
Aphids often attack the same plants for several reasons. Each species has preferred host plants, better suited to its feeding needs. Moreover, many overwinter as eggs on these plants, leading to recurrent infestations in spring. They are also attracted by chemical signals emitted by their favorite plants. Finally, some plants are more vulnerable than others, as they have fewer natural defenses against these insects.
Why can a handful of aphids invade a plant in just a few days?
During spring and summer, aphids have a formidable strategy: females don't need to mate. They give birth directly to young aphids, already formed and ready to feed immediately.
And in 7 to 10 days, the young aphids become adults and can in turn produce new individuals.
