Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What do ladybug beetles primarily eat?

1. Aphids

2. Vegetable plants

3. Foliage

4. Garden pests

The correct answer is: Aphids

Ladybug beetles primarily feed on aphids, which are small sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to a variety of plants. This diet plays an important role in controlling aphid populations in gardens and agricultural settings, making ladybugs beneficial as natural pest predators. They have a strong appetite for aphids, often consuming large quantities throughout their life cycle, which helps to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a more sustainable approach to pest management in horticulture. While ladybugs may occasionally feed on other small insects or pests, their primary and most effective role in ecosystems is that of aphid control. This specialization in dietary preference contributes to their popularity among gardeners who seek to harness natural pest control methods.