Convergent Ladybug

Ladybug beetles are one of the more familiar beetles, and are recognized by their round,
often spotted bodies.  They range in size from 1/16 to 3/8 inch in length and most are shiny
red, orange, or yellow with black markings.  Some resemble leaf beetles but have 3, rather
than 4, tarsel segments.

Both adults and larvae are predators, mostly of aphids.  This single trait makes them very
important to the home gardener as well as large crop producers.  They are common on
plants and often overwinter as adults in large swarms, under fallen leaves or bark.

The active, spindle shaped larvae are usually covered with spines, bright spots, and bands
and in warm friendly climate, there are numerous generations produced per year.

         Two-spotted Ladybug

The Two-spotted Ladybug ranges in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inches in length and is almost hemispherical,
slightly longer then broad.  The head and thorax are black marked with yellow and the Elytra are an
orange color with two large black spots.  The larva is velvety black spotted with yellow and white.

This species can be found in meadows, fields, and gardens and may even be found, occasionally,
in homes and businesses.  They are found throughout North America.

Adults and larva feed on aphids and other small insects and their eggs ( bright yellow clusters), are
attached to foliage and other objects near a food supply where the larva will later feed.  Pupae are
black with yellow spots and hang from leaf surfaces.  Adults overwinter in the North and may pro-
duce many generations per year.

       Nine-spotted Ladybug

The Nine-spotted Ladybug measures 1/4 inch in length and is very similar to the other species of
Ladybugs, in regard to food preferences, habitat, and egg laying characteristics.  They are , however,
different in certain respects.  Their Elytra are yellowish-red or orange with 9 black spots ( four on
each elytron and one on the scutellum).

They range all over N. America, (except the Southwest) and overwinter in large groups with the
emergence of adults in May-September.