Over the 2.5 year period of my reef, I have had dead ladybugs in the main tank and sump. Some weeks there are more than others. Anyone know if these things have any poisons or anything toxic about them? I have had a mysterious white hair like algea growing in the sump for about 8 months and can't get rid of it. It only grows in the sump. Thought mabe the ladybugs have something to do with it. Who knows. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Ladybugs in tank
- Thread starter smokin reefer
- Start date
I have the same problem in the fall, sometimes 10 or 12 a day! They seem to enjoy apples when they fall off the trees, and I have 4 apple trees close to the house. They really drive me crazy! Anyway, have not noticed any ill effects in the tank. Fish don't seem to care for them, though, for whatever reason. I have a cichlid tank for my son, and they will eat almost anything (trust me, have even seen them pick at french fries 8O , one of the joys of children 
) but they won't eat the ladybugs.
) but they won't eat the ladybugs.LOULE! Ok, I'm gonna take you seriously. Do you have an aphid problem, perchance? Ladybugs eat aphids, which are often "farmed" by ants. Check your garden, then put some plastic screening over the sump and stuff. I don't see why the ladybugs would cause a problem. They might be tasty.
Funny thing is, I don't have a sump! The only way for them to get in the tank is through the holes I have cut in the plastic strips on the back of the glass tops. And they aren't very big holes. I am really curious as to what draws them to the holes, because they aren't finding them on accident. Where's a bug expert when you need one?
Lady bugs will seek the warmth from your tank...that is how they find those little holes that you wouldn't expect them too. That's why you see more in the fall and winter as they will invade your home seeking warmth.
They are harmless as far as your tank goes, meaning fish and coral, I suppose a wad of them could plug something up but other than that you shouldn't encounter any problems.
They are harmless as far as your tank goes, meaning fish and coral, I suppose a wad of them could plug something up but other than that you shouldn't encounter any problems.
Don't quote me word for for but from what I remember they are not typical lady bugs, they are a different Asian species. I had thousands of them in the roof of my shed this summer. They are probably in your attic, or someother warm hideaway. Not really sure what they will do to your tank, I would try to get them out every couple of days so they don't start to break down.
HTH
HTH
highrpm":1s5vmp8k said:
actually, all ladybugs(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) seen in the US are exotic species. they all originated from japan/australia. an accidental introduction. one of the only few exotic species which havent become invasive/problematic(except for mexican bean beetle and a few others). most species (theres hundreds in the US) of ladybird beetles have a foul taste in the adult stage, thus the bright coloration. so this is probably why the fish dont eat them. there are however similar looking Coleoptera(beetles) that mimic the ladybirds which may have different characteristics. (i know nothin bout em')
boy i actually learned somethin in that entomology class
HTH
BB
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