Greetings and welcome to the all-encompassing manual on the proper way to care for 22-Spot Ladybirds!
This small insect may look cute and harmless, but it has a lot of needs!
But don’t worry—in this guide, you will learn what it takes to keep Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata happy.
From feeding and housing to handling and preventing diseases, you’ll ensure this type of ladybug keeps buzzing happily.
Let’s get started!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | 22-Spot Ladybird |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 3–5 mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 75-85°F |
What Are 22-Spot Ladybirds?
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata is a species of beetle belonging to the Coccinellidae family.
It is native to parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
The common name comes from the 22 spots on its body, which is why it is also sometimes referred to as the Twenty-two Spotted Lady Beetle.
This species of beetle is often confused with other species of Ladybird due to the similar patterns of spots, however, it is easy to distinguish the 22-Spot Ladybird due to its unique color and its slightly larger size.
These Ladybirds are an important part of the garden and agricultural ecosystems, as they predate harmful pests.
What Do 22-Spot Ladybirds Look Like?
The 22-Spot Ladybird is a small, yellow insect with characteristic black spots found on its round back.
Adults are usually 3-5 mm long. Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata has an oval-shaped elytra which is composed of two hard covers.
The body of the ladybird has its own unique characteristics, consisting of the head, thorax, and abdomen.
The head has a small, yellow rostrum and two compound eyes while the thorax has six segments that are completed by two pairs of legs.
Finally, the abdomen is composed of six segments ending in a pair of short, slender antennae.
These ladybugs also have two sets of wings which are short and protected by the elytra.
The wings are membranous, and the hind wing is broad and clear, with a dense reticulated pattern.
When at rest, the 22-Spot Ladybird tucks its wings under its elytra.
Benefits Of Using 22-Spot Ladybirds
Using 22-Spot Ladybirds in your vivarium can be both beneficial and aesthetically pleasing.
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata are natural predators of aphids and can help keep your tank healthy and pest-free.
Additionally, they are fascinating to observe in their natural habitat!
They are attracted to colorful plants, fruits, and flowers which can add wonderful color and texture to your tank.
Lastly, P. vigintiduopunctata are low-maintenance and quite hardy – which makes them the perfect addition to any enclosure!
22-Spot Ladybird Facts
The 22-Spot Ladybird is a small insect species native to parts of Europe and Asia, found in both temperate and tropical regions.
This insect is known for its bright yellow and black spotted coat, as well as its calm and gentle temperament.
In the wild, its diet consists mainly of small insects and plant matter.
The lifespan of Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata can span up to several years in the wild, and they typically breed during the early spring months.
Habitat
The 22-Spot Ladybird is native to Europe, North Africa, and some parts of Asia.
They prefer damp grasslands and meadows where they can easily find aphids and other small insects as a food source.
Its natural habitat has plenty of plants with large, open leaves where it can take shelter from the elements and predators.
Diet
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata is an omnivorous insect, meaning it will eat both plants and animals for food.
In the wild, they are most known for feeding on mildew and aphids but also have been known to feed on mites, scales, and spiders.
A natural diet for 22-Spot Ladybirds can consist of a variety of food including pollen, nectar, plant sap, fruit, mushrooms, small insects, and egg masses of other insects.
As with any insect, one of the most important aspects of a ladybird’s diet is that it should be enriched with micronutrients.
Some micronutrients that are important for its health include phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron.
Temperament
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata is an active and curious insect–they love to explore and inspect their surroundings!
When faced with humans and other animals, they may show cautiousness and flee from them, or they may decide to investigate.
Generally, 22-Spot Ladybirds are gentle and inoffensive towards humans and other animals.
In most cases, their curiosity will simply outweigh their caution, and they may even choose to stay nearby and watch what’s going on.
It’s important to note that if these lady beetles sense any kind of danger, they may produce a small number of defensive secretions from their legs.
While this secretion is harmless to humans and animals, it can cause skin irritation and should be washed off with soap and warm water as soon as possible.
22-Spot Ladybirds should always be handled carefully to prevent any accidental secretion discharge.
Lifespan
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata typically live anywhere from one to two years.
Though that may sound like a short lifespan, these insects can have a large number of generations depending on the climate and environmental conditions they live in.
Just like all insects, the 22-SpotLadybird’s life cycle begins with the egg stage. The eggs are deposited onto plants and later hatch into larvae.
The larvae grow through four instar stages until they mature into adults.
During this stage, P. vigintiduopunctata feeds on aphids and other pests before heading into diapause.
Once the ladybirds reach adulthood, they will lay eggs of their own and the cycle begins again.
Breeding
22-Spot Ladybirds are known to reproduce quite quickly and in large numbers.
Female ladybirds are able to lay from 4 to 25 eggs depending on the conditions within a 5-10 day time span.
They prefer to lay their eggs inside flower buds and on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.
As soon as the eggs hatch, they will begin to feed.
22-Spot Ladybirds mate during the spring months, usually from March to April.
Females usually lay eggs before mating, so it is likely that they will not mate again until after the eggs are laid.
During mating, the male and female 22-Spot Ladybirds will face each other, the male will grab onto the female’s back and propel himself forward in a ‘flying’ motion to insert his genitalia into the female’s genital opening.
This process is usually completed within 5-10 seconds.
Where To Find 22-Spot Ladybirds
When it comes to finding Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata, the best option is to look for them in the wild.
They are native to Europe and Asia, and you can usually find them near gardens, wooded areas, and flower-rich meadows.
If you are unable to find them in the wild, you can look for them in local pet stores or online nurseries.
Be sure to look for a healthy and active insect, as this will ensure that your new pet is in optimal condition.
22-Spot Ladybird Care
To care for 22-Spot Ladybirds, ensure they have the proper food, housing, temperature, humidity, and handling.
Additionally, be aware of any common diseases that may affect them and take steps to prevent and treat them.
Enhance the life of Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata with some bonuses, such as providing entertainment and a working environment.
Tank Requirements
When housing Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata, it is best to use a terrarium that features plenty of ventilation.
Be sure to also provide a high-quality terrarium substrate of forest bark, coconut coir, or peat moss for your insect friend to feel comfortable in.
The ideal temperature range should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of approximately 70%.
In terms of water pH, a value of 6.5 to 7.5 is acceptable.
Regarding terrarium lighting, it is best to keep the vivarium well-lit with full-spectrum bulbs.
Just make sure not to spotlight your insect friend, as this can be quite stressful.
What Do 22-Spot Ladybirds Eat?
Feeding your 22-Spot Ladybird is an essential part of its care.
A healthy diet is key to ensuring your ladybug thrives and grows!
Here’s a list of things that Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata love to eat and it’s best to feed them a variety:
1. A mix of fresh fruit and vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, melon slices, banana slices, cucumber slices, etc.
2. Invertebrates such as aphids and small flies or mosquitoes
3. Flower pollen
4. Cheese
5. Honeydew
6. High-quality dog or cat food
When feeding your Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata, always make sure to use fresh, non-pesticide-treated ingredients.
Additionally, ensure that all food items are in small, easily digestible pieces.
To encourage eating, feed your ladybird in small amounts and remove uneaten food after a few hours.
Finally, always provide a clean, safe source of water.
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 22-Spot Ladybirds
When considering the best tankmates for 22-Spot Ladybirds, it’s important to find animals with similar needs.
Ladybirds need a warm, humid environment, which means potential tankmates must also be able to tolerate and even thrive in such conditions.
Stick insects, for instance, should work well as tankmates as they typically work well with other invertebrate species, have similar temperature and humidity needs, and are generally slow-moving.
Furthermore, they can provide enrichment for the Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata as they will need sticks in their environment to move around.
Some insects like mantids, grasshoppers, and certain kinds of beetles also have similar needs as these beetles.
These insects can provide a great source of enrichment for a 22-Spot Ladybird, but they can also be predators—so always make sure to do your research before adding any tankmates.
Conclusion
Congratulations—you now know everything you need to know about caring for Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata!
With the tips in this article, you now have the power to make sure your little friend has a long and fulfilled life.
Remember, if you keep things clean and provide the necessary resources while handling your 22-Spot Ladybird with care, you’re sure to have many happy experiences with your companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 22-spot ladybirds (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) are considered relatively rare compared to other more common species of ladybirds.
No, 22-spot ladybirds (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) are not considered poisonous to humans. They are harmless and do not pose any significant risks.