black bug with green spots

Exploring Black Bugs with Vibrant Green Spots

While many bugs come in solid shades of black, brown, or metallic colors, some exhibit eye-catching contrast with vibrant green spots. These black beetles and other insects with splotches of emerald, lime or forest green stand out in nature. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common and distinct black bugs decorated with verdant spots.

Asian Lady Beetle

The Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is an abundant invasive species easily identified by black elytra dotted with variable spots that are often lime green. Some may appear more yellowish, while others have no spots at all This aphid-eating bug has a rounded dome shape and is slightly larger than native ladybugs Introduced to control pests, it has spread prolifically across North America and may congregate inside homes in cold weather.

Green June Beetle

Common across the eastern U.S., the aptly named green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) sports iridescent forest green wing covers marked by small yellowish dots. The velvety underside is also lime green. These scarab beetles emerge in early summer, feeding on ripe and rotting fruit. The large larvae are known as white grubs, lawn pests that damage grass roots. Adults grow up to 22mm long, making them one of the bigger beetles with green spots.

Twelve-Spotted Cucumber Beetle

Though its name references the 12 black spots on yellow wing covers, the western spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) also flaunts a lime green pronotum and head. The spots vary somewhat in size, but always add up to 12 on this oval beetle measuring just 6 to 7mm long. They dine on leaves and flowers of squash, melons, beans and other crops, making them an agricultural pest.

Milkweed Leaf Beetle

Feasting specifically on milkweed plants, the red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetraophthalmus) sports black spots on its orange-red elytra and pronotum. The antennae and legs retain the base body color. At about 16mm long, they are among the largest spotted beetles. Some individuals may exhibit greenish rather than black spots, but this color variant is less common. Handling them can cause skin irritation due to absorbed milkweed toxins.

Colorado Potato Beetle

Boasting both black spots and stripes, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a major pest of potato, tomato and eggplant crops. Their oval wing covers have ten dark stripes interspersed with black spots. The head, pronotum and legs are lemon yellow. These 10-lined beetles can ravage plants in both their striped larval and spotted adult stage. Native to Mexico, they have invaded North American potato fields.

Squash Vine Borer

Though primarily a moth, the squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) has a thick-bodied larval form that resembles a worm or slug. Identified by a brown head capsule, the cream-colored body hosts raised black spots ringed in pale green. They bore into squash and pumpkin stems, causing wilting and plant death. These native North American vine borers are a common cucurbit pest.

Convergent Lady Beetle

Widespread across the U.S. and Canada, the convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) carries signature black wedges converging at the top of their red wing covers. These triangular spots may number from 7 to 13. Some individuals also have a variable number of tiny green dots speckled around the elytra edges. Their dome shape and short legs are classic for ladybugs. Both larvae and adults are valued predators of soft-bodied crop pests.

Fourteen-Spotted Lady Beetle

As the name denotes, the Fourteen-spotted lady beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) has 7 black pairs of spots on its glossy, ovoid red wing covers. The head is black, and the pronotum can be yellow, black or red. Tiny white scratches mark the elytra. Common in North America, they are important predators with a taste for aphids. The larvae are spiky black bugs with orange markings that also feed on pest insects.

Green Lacewing

Though technically a neuropteran, the green lacewing larva strongly resembles a beetle. These tiny black bugs have pinchers protruding from the tail end and carry white tubercles tipped with spine-like setae. The tubercles each have a emerald green dot at the base, making them look spotted. Sometimes called aphid lions, these ferocious predators feast on soft-bodied insects like aphids, playing a valuable role in pest control.

Green Stink Bug

Various green stink bug species exhibit black dots on their shield-shaped green bodies, including the conchuela stink bug (Chlorochroa ligata) across the southern U.S. Nymphs go through distinct growth phases marked by spots, stripes and colors. Conchuela adults reach 2cm long and create rows of black punctures when feeding on fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains with piercing sucking mouthparts. Their name comes from their foul defensive odor.

Japanese Beetle

Metallic green heads and copper-colored wing covers decorated with 5 distinct white spots on each side identify Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica). These invasive pests devour over 300 plant species as adults, while the larvae damage turfgrass roots. Introduced to the U.S. around 1916, they are now entrenched across eastern states. Lures, traps and microbial controls can protect gardens from these notoriously destructive bugs.

Whether a helpful predator or problematic pest, black beetles and bugs decorated with vivid green spots adorn our fields and forests. Their color combinations grab attention while serving to warn predators, attract mates or camouflage according to habitat. So keep watch for spectacular species sporting inky and emerald hues.