By Emma Ellis 
Ladybugs—also known as ladybirds or lady beetles—are among the most beloved insects in gardens and farms around the world. Their bright colors and spotted shells make them easy to recognize, but their true value lies in their diet. Understanding what ladybugs eat helps gardeners protect plants naturally, reduce chemical pesticide use, and support a healthier ecosystem.
This in-depth guide explains the natural diet of ladybugs, how it changes through their life cycle, what they eat in different environments, and how you can attract them to your garden for natural pest control.
Why Ladybug Diet Matters
Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects because they feed on pests that damage crops, flowers, and houseplants. A single ladybug can eat dozens of harmful insects in one day, making them powerful allies for gardeners and farmers.
Knowing what ladybugs eat helps you:
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Encourage natural pest control
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Maintain ecological balance
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Protect beneficial insects
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Reduce reliance on chemicals
What Do Ladybugs Eat in the Wild?
In nature, ladybugs are primarily carnivorous. Their diet consists mostly of soft-bodied insects that feed on plants.
Aphids (Their Favorite Food)
Aphids are the top food source for most ladybug species. These tiny insects suck sap from plants and reproduce rapidly. Ladybugs actively hunt aphids and can consume:
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40–60 aphids per day (adults)
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Even more during the larval stage
This makes ladybugs extremely valuable in controlling aphid infestations.
Other Common Prey
Ladybugs also eat:
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Whiteflies
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Scale insects
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Mealybugs
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Spider mites
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Leafhoppers
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Small insect eggs and larvae
These pests weaken plants and spread disease, so ladybugs play a crucial protective role.
What Do Ladybug Larvae Eat?
Many people don’t realize that ladybug larvae—which look like tiny black-and-orange alligators—are even more aggressive eaters than adults.
During the larval stage, a ladybug can consume hundreds of aphids before pupating. This stage is critical for growth and energy storage.
Ladybug larvae eat:
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Aphids (primary food)
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Mites
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Insect eggs
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Soft-bodied larvae
If you see ladybug larvae in your garden, it’s a sign that pest control is already happening.
Do Ladybugs Eat Plants?
This is a common question—and the answer is mostly no.
Most ladybugs do not eat plants. However, a few species can feed on plant material when prey is scarce.
Occasional Plant-Based Foods
When insects are unavailable, some ladybugs may eat:
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Pollen
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Nectar
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Honeydew (sweet substance left by aphids)
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Soft fruits (rarely)
These foods help them survive temporarily but do not replace their need for insects.
What Do Ladybugs Eat in Gardens?
Gardens provide an ideal environment for ladybugs because they attract pest insects. In a typical garden, ladybugs feed on:
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Aphids on roses, tomatoes, and peppers
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Whiteflies on leafy vegetables
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Mites on fruit trees
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Scale insects on shrubs
Plant diversity increases insect diversity, which supports a steady food supply for ladybugs.
What Do Ladybugs Eat Indoors?
Sometimes ladybugs enter homes, especially during cooler months. Indoors, food sources are limited.
Inside homes, ladybugs may:
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Survive on stored fat reserves
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Drink water droplets
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Eat small household insects (rare)
They do not infest food or furniture and usually seek shelter rather than food.
Do Ladybugs Eat Mosquitoes?
Ladybugs do not typically eat adult mosquitoes. However, they may occasionally eat:
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Mosquito eggs
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Mosquito larvae (rare cases)
Their main impact is on plant pests rather than flying insects.
What Do Ladybugs Eat in Winter?
In colder climates, ladybugs enter a state similar to hibernation called diapause.
During winter:
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They eat little or nothing
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Survive on stored body fat
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Shelter in bark, leaf litter, walls, or attics
When spring arrives, they resume feeding on insects.
What Do Baby Ladybugs Eat?
Baby ladybugs (larvae) eat the same foods as adults—but in larger quantities relative to their size.
They rely heavily on:
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Aphids
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Mites
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Insect eggs
This heavy feeding allows them to grow quickly and transform into adult beetles.
Do All Ladybugs Eat the Same Things?
No. Diet can vary slightly by species and environment.
Carnivorous Ladybugs
Most species eat insects and are beneficial to gardens.
Plant-Eating Ladybugs (Rare)
A small number of species may feed on:
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Leaves
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Beans
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Squash plants
These species are less common and often mistaken for beneficial types.
How Much Do Ladybugs Eat?
Ladybugs are surprisingly efficient predators.
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Adult ladybug: up to 5,000 aphids in a lifetime
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Larva stage: most active feeding phase
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Females eat more to support egg production
This high consumption rate explains their effectiveness in pest control.
What Attracts Ladybugs to Food Sources?
Ladybugs are attracted to environments with:
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High aphid populations
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Flowering plants (for pollen)
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Moisture and shelter
Plants that attract pests indirectly attract ladybugs.
How to Feed Ladybugs Naturally
If you want to keep ladybugs in your garden:
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Avoid chemical pesticides
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Plant aphid-prone plants like dill, fennel, and roses
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Provide shallow water sources
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Grow flowering plants for pollen
You don’t need to feed them directly—nature does the job.
Can You Buy Food for Ladybugs?
Commercial ladybug food exists but is rarely necessary outdoors. It’s sometimes used for:
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Educational kits
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Temporary indoor observation
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Shipping survival
Natural prey is always best.
Benefits of Ladybug Diet to Humans
Ladybugs provide major benefits through their eating habits:
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Natural pest control
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Healthier plants
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Reduced pesticide use
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Increased crop yields
They are one of nature’s most effective eco-friendly solutions.
Common Myths About Ladybug Diet
Myth: Ladybugs damage plants
Fact: Most species protect plants
Myth: Ladybugs eat anything
Fact: They prefer specific pests
Myth: Ladybugs bite humans
Fact: Bites are rare and harmless
Final Thoughts
So, what do ladybugs eat? Their natural diet consists mainly of aphids and other plant-damaging insects, making them essential allies in gardens and agriculture. From larvae to adults, ladybugs are efficient predators that help maintain balance in nature.