Page 74 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

California Ladybird Beetle Convergent Ladybird
Beetle adult

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Convergent lady Beetle Western Blood-Red
Ladybird Beetle
Larva entering into pupa stage

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- clavate 6.Thorax- yes Ladybird Beetle
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none 8
3.Head- facing forward 8.Abdomen- elytra above abdomen
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- reds, grays, blacks 1
5.Wings- on adult 10.Other- chewing mouth parts

Life Cycle 3
During their 1 to 2-year lifespan, a single Ladybug can eat over 5000 aphids.
The female will lay up to 1000 eggs, usually in groups of a dozen. The larvae 6
that hatch go after aphids and other insects while they go through four molts.
Larvae are about 3/8ths inch and colored black with orange spots. They Drawing by Andrew Schaible
pupate without ever forming a cocoon. Adults will seek protected places to
overwinter.

Ladybird Beetles are commonly called “Ladybugs”. Ladybug larvae are highly desired for their
ability to go after plant pests, especially aphids. They look like small alligators Adults will also
feed on insects, but will eat pollen and nectars in addition. Ladybugs can be stored for a few
weeks in a cool environment such as a refrigerator as long as the temperature is kept well
above freezing. They can be released a few at a time. Outdoors they will hibernate over the
winter if it turns cold.

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