Marienkäfer (ladybugs) predominantly eat aphids, making them beneficial allies for gardens and crops. Their diet can vary by species and availability, but common food sources include aphids, scale insects, mites, mealybugs, and occasionally pollen, nectar, or plant material when prey is scarce. Here’s a concise overview to help you understand their feeding habits and how to support them.

Core diet

• Aphids: The primary staple for many Marienkäfer species. They can consume large numbers, helping reduce pest populations.
• Other small pests: Scale insects, mites, whiteflies, and small beetles or insect larvae when present in sufficient numbers.
• Occasional plant-based food: Some species will eat pollen, nectar, or even mildew under certain conditions, especially when aphids are scarce.

Variations by type

• Predatory species: Rely mainly on animal prey such as aphids and other small pests.
• Pollen- or plant-feeding species: Diet includes more plant-based foods and may be less effective as pest control.
• Fungivorous members: Some feed on fungal growth like mildew, particularly in environments with limited prey.

In practice: encouraging Marienkäfer in your garden

• Provide prey: A steady supply of aphids or other small pests will attract and sustain them.
• Habitat: Plant diverse vegetation and maintain flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen, especially in late spring and early summer.
• Minimize pesticides: Broad-spectrum insecticides can kill Marienkäfer adults and larvae, reducing natural pest control benefits.
• Shelter: Ensure places for overwintering and reproduction, such as leaf litter, logs, or dense ground cover.

Quick myth/balance notes

• Not all Marienkäfer species are strictly beneficial every season; some may shift to plant material when prey is scarce.
• In homes or indoors, they may feed on accessible foods like pollen or fruit sugars if pests are absent.

If you’d like, I can tailor recommendations to your region (country or climate) and specific garden setup, and I can provide a simple, step-by-step plan to attract and retain healthy Marienkäfer populations.