Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:19:44 +0000

Ladybugs Eat This Surprising Thing Most People Never Guess When you spot a red-and-black ladybug perched on a garden leaf, it’s easy to think of it as a harmless, sweet little creature. But did you know that these charming insects have a surprisingly bold and essential diet? While ladybugs are famously known for munching on aphids—tiny plant pests—there’s a lesser-known, surprising fact that might catch even seasoned gardeners by surprise: ladybugs also feast on fungi, pollen, and even certain types of algae—sometimes playing a key role in controlling harmful plant pathogens. ### The Surprising Menu: Beyond Aphids Most people associate ladybugs with pest control. Ladybird beetles, especially the ubiquitous Coccinella septempunctata (the seven-spotted ladybug), are celebrated for devouring aphids, mites, and scale insects—helping protect crops and ornamental plants naturally. However, their diet extends far beyond soft-bodied insects.