PHOTOS: ‘Imposter’ Insects Swarm in the Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley residents are preparing for the colder weather ahead, and it's not just the humans. This past weekend, residents from across the region all experienced the same phenomenon: swarms of what appeared to be ladybugs. Not everything, however, is as it seems...

Unfortunately, the insects seen by Hudson Valley residents weren't beloved ladybugs but rather a different species called the Asian lady beetle. While many homeowners wouldn't be blamed for the confusion, there are a few easy ways to tell the species apart.

The Confusing Similarities Between Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles

After seeing the swarms of Asian lady beetles covering houses in the Hudson Valley, it may not come as a surprise that some areas of the country have classified the insects as invasive. Similar to ladybugs, however, Asian lady beetles were originally purposefully introduced in the United States to help with aphid issues. While the two insects' diets are very similar, it's their color that helps with their true identity.

Spot the Differences Between Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles

While it might seem that these two insects look identical, a quick side-by-side comparison shows several stark differences. Not only do ladybugs have a bright red color with limited spots (Asian lady beetles are usually more dull-colored, and often have more than 11 spots), their heads have a different pattern as well.

With the charming stereotypes attached to ladybugs, it can be easy to deride the Asian lady beetle as an unwanted pest, although agriculture experts stress that one species is not necessarily "better" than the other. That being said, only one of the two are currently congregating on local homes, searching for a warm place to stay for the winter.