Are Ladybugs Good for Tomato Plants?

Most species of ladybugs are good for tomato plants.

Ladybugs, also called ladybirds or Asian lady beetles, are very good for tomato plants. Most ladybug species are carnivorous and so will not eat the plants. But they will feast on insects that do like to eat tomato plants.

Benefits

Just one ladybug can eat an average of 5,000 aphids during its lifetime, according to the BBC. Both ladybug larvae and adults eat pests like aphids such as the green peach aphid, which also enjoys tomatoes.

Types

Ladybug species that eat mostly nectar and aphids include the seven-spot ladybug or Coccinella septempunctata, the convergent ladybug or Hippodamia convergens and the pink spotted lady beetle or Coleomegilla maculate.

Expert Advice

Just having pests may not be enough to attract ladybugs into a garden. Ladybugs also like nectar and sugar water. Plant nectar producing plants like coriander near the tomato garden or spray the tomato plants with sugar water, according to Colorado State University.

References

• Univeristy of Kentucky Entomology: Ladybugs
• BBC: Wildlife Finder: Seven-spot Ladybirds
• Colorado State University: Lady Bugs
• University of California: Tomato: Green Peach Aphid and Other Early-season Aphids

Resources

• San Diego Zoo: Ladybug
• University of California: Tomato: How to Manage Pests