LADYBIRD BEETLES

Ladybird beetles [ladybugs] were introduced from Australia to California in the late 1880s to control cottony cushion scale. When Santa Cruz Island suffered from an infestation of this scale insect on its fruit trees and alfalfa crops, help was sought from the California State Insectary in Sacramento to raise Australian ladybird beetles for release on the island. It is unknown if they ever were, however.

Today there are at least 15 species of ladybird beetles found on Santa Cruz Island. They often gather in large clusters on fence posts as they look for a warm place to hibernate during winter months. There are more than 350 species in the United States and up to 4000 worldwide.

In the News~

November 26, 1918 [SCICo]: “State Insectary, Sacramento. We are becoming rather badly troubled with cottony cushion scale and our spraying has had little or no effect in keeping it under control. We would like to make application for a colony of Novius cardinalis for delivery at the proper season. Clifford McElrath.”

January 1, 1920 [SCICo]: “State Commissioner of Horticulture. Kindly let me know what procedure is necessary to procure a colony of Australian ladybirds for us against the cottony cushion scale. Many of the trees, bushes and even alfalfa plants are badly infected. Clifford McElrath.”

February 23, 1920 [SCICo]: “Mr. Harry P. Smith, Sacramento. I am sending you a box of what I believe is cottony cushion scale. I can send more if necessary. Will you kindly send us some Australian ladybirds as per your letter of January 9th. Clifford McElrath.”

March 15, 1920 [SCICo] Superintendent's Report]: “In regard to the Vedalia [beetle], I wrote to Sacramento and they replied that they had none as they lacked the scale on which to raise them. I therefore sent them a supply of scale and received a letter March 1 saying that they were raising a colony for us.”