Fact Sheet

General Information:

There are over 450 species of Lady beetle found in North American and they are one of the most visible and best known of the beneficial predatory insects. Adults and larvae feed primarily on aphids but will also eat mites, mealy bugs, scale and insect eggs. Adults eat some pollen. Lady beetles may be encouraged to breed, feed and over winter in your garden if a Lady Beetle house is put up where they can find shelter. House are available commercially.

Description:

Adults are usually red or orange with black markings. Some are black with red markings. Adults are round or oval and dome shaped. Larva look like small dark alligators.Some have yellow or orange bands. Adults and larvae are approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.

Life Cycle:

In the southwest Lady beetles over winter in large groups in the mountains coating trees and rocks in an orange blanket. In the spring they disperse and begin to reproduce. Eggs hatch in 4-8 days into the larval form. They feed for 20-30 days then pupate for 3-12 days. Adults are long lived, 3 months to one year.