Will they visit?: Ladybirds frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Coccinella transversalis larva. (C)Sian Mawson
Coccinella transversalis, sharing meal with larva. (C)Sian Mawson
Coccinella transversalis. (C)Sian Mawson
Harmonia conformis – (CC)Linda Rogan. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Harmonia conformis – (CC)Reiner Richter. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Hippodamia variegata mating. (C)Sian Mawson
Menochilus sexmaculatus. (C) Sian Mawson
Orcus – (CC)LadyRobyn. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Shrubs and foliage
Diet: Aphids and small invertebrates
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Pest control
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Ladybirds are adaptable creatures and busily investigate plants around the garden in search of prey. Gardens planted with wattles, flowering annuals, native peas, clumping grasses, and small shrubs can provide suitable habitat for ladybirds.
Novel Shelter
A template of a bug hotel is illustrated below. Things to consider:
Place several bug hotels throughout the garden to avoid disease spread.
Have several smaller hotels throughout the garden to avoid parasite and predator burden.
Position in a north and east position sheltered with dappled shade.
Keep dry and ensure protection from the rain.
Avoid using insecticides around the garden.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
There are many species of native ladybirds found in Perth including Harmonia conformis, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Orcus australasiae, and Coccinella transversalis. They are all voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, and mites. A ladybird can consume 2,500 aphids in a life time.
Providing sources of water
Ladybirds visit bird baths and ponds for a source of water. Insects often fall into water sources and can drown. A partially submerged rock or stick can provide a safe avenue for smaller creatures to leave the water safely.
ReWild Benefits
Ladybirds control pests around the garden, lessening reliance of pesticides in the community. If you see one in your backyard, you can record your sighting on the Atlas of Living Australia and help scientists monitor there population and distribution.
